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 directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of increased threats of severe weather and flooding expected to impact the state through the week.

“Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to support Texans as severe storms move across our state that will bring potential flash flooding and heavy rain,” 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 Texans across our state.”

According to the National Weather Service, severe storms are forecast across large portions of the state through Wednesday, with risks of flooding expected to last through late-week. Impacts include large hail, damaging wind, possible tornadoes, excessive rainfall, and flash flooding. Texans across the state are urged to monitor local forecast information from trusted weather sources.

At the Governor’s direction, the following state emergency response resources remain available to support local severe weather response operations:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force, Texas Task Force 2, and Texas A&M Task Force 3): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads, Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Teams
• 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: Helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
• Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews to assist with clearing of roadways
• 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
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles

Texans are encouraged to make an emergency plan, prepare an emergency supply kit, and follow instructions from local officials. Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, locate flood and severe weather safety information at TexasReady.gov, access flood information at TexasFlood.org, and find general preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.