Texas Emergency Management Officials Urge Caution as Icy Conditions Threaten Central Texas

Texas Emergency Management Officials Urge Caution as Icy Conditions Threaten Central Texas

Rainfall and Flash Flooding Threaten Southeast Texas This Weekend

AUSTIN – The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) reminded Texans today that freezing temperatures and icy conditions threaten areas of Central Texas expected to impact the state this weekend.

"As cold weather continues to impact the state, Texans are urged to take personal preparedness seriously and stay off hazardous roadways," said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. "It is important for Texans to continue to stay informed, take proactive measures to protect their families, and follow guidance from local authorities as the threat of icy conditions continues. TDEM and our Texas Emergency Management Council partners remain prepared for continued cold weather impacts."

According to the National Weather Service, freezing and/or below-freezing temperatures are expected to bring icy conditions to portions of Central and North Texas. Heavy rainfall is also expected across eastern and southeastern portions of the state.

The Texas State Emergency Operations Center (SOC) remains activated in 24-hour operations at Level II (Escalated Response) to support requests for state assistance from local officials and ensure Texas communities have the resources they need to respond to continued winter and severe weather impacts.

Prior to the start of this winter weather event, Governor Greg Abbott directed TDEM to mobilize state emergency response resources ahead of the threat. On Monday, Governor Abbott and Chief Kidd provided an update on Texas’ response to statewide weather threats. More than 2,000 state responders and more than 1,500 vehicles and pieces of equipment remain prepared, and over a dozen state agencies continue to respond to this winter weather threat across Texas.

Texans are encouraged to follow instructions from local officials and continue taking preparedness measures, including making a plan and preparing an emergency supply kit. Texans can check current road conditions at DriveTexas.org, and find winter weather resources, including winter safety tips, warming center information, and a map of licensed plumbers to address issues with pipes online in the Texas Disaster Portal located at disaster.texas.gov.

‍