Governor Abbott Activates State Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of Severe Weather Threat

Governor Abbott Activates State Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of Severe Weather Threat

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of a severe weather threat expected to impact portions of Texas beginning today and continuing through the weekend.

"Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to help local officials respond to potential severe weather across the state," said Governor Abbott. "Texans are urged to remain weather-aware, regularly check road conditions, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones. The State of Texas will continue to closely monitor weather conditions to protect the well-being of communities across our state.”

According to the National Weather Service, multiple storm systems are expected to bring strong to severe thunderstorms across large portions of the state beginning later today across North Texas. As the week progresses, the storm risk shifts to the West to include parts of Northwest Texas such as the Panhandle, South Plains, Permian Basin, Big Country, and Concho Valley. Later in the week, the severe weather threat is expected to shift back towards North, Northeast, and Central Texas. Conditions are anticipated to continue into early next week. Hazards include large hail, damaging wind, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, and possible tornadoes. Texans are urged to monitor local forecast information as conditions develop.

At the direction of Governor Abbott, the following state emergency response resources are available to support severe weather local response operations:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads and Urban Search & Rescue Teams to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team and All-Hazards Group responders to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
• Texas National Guard: Personnel and high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists; Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions statewide
• Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews to assist with clearing of roadways; Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) Strike Teams to support local emergency services
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, helicopters with hoist capability, Tactical Marine Unit
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents, as well as County Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
• Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring

Additionally, the Texas State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at Level III (Increased Readiness) to support severe weather and ongoing wildfire operations, amid continued fire weather conditions in some parts of the state.

Texans are encouraged to proactively prepare for severe weather by packing an emergency supply kit, making an emergency plan, and following guidance from local officials.

Texans can find flood and severe weather safety information at TexasReady.gov, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, and access all-hazards preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.