TDEM Activates State Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of Severe Weather Threat

TDEM Activates State Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of Severe Weather Threat

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) announced today that the agency has activated state emergency response resources ahead of increased threats of severe weather and flooding expected to impact the state through the week.

"With severe weather impacts expected this week, TDEM and the Texas Emergency Management Council are prepared to support local officials with requests for state assistance," said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. "Texans are urged to stay weather aware and pay attention to guidance from local officials. Please join me in thanking the first responders deployed to protect life and property as inclement weather threatens Texas communities."

According to the National Weather Service, severe weather is forecast across large portions of the Panhandle, North, West, and Central Texas regions beginning tonight and lasting over the next several days. Expected 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 direction of Governor Greg Abbott, 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 1): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads
• 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, find flood and severe weather safety information at TexasReady.gov, and access general preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.

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