Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of severe weather expected across Texas this week. The move comes as forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate that multiple rounds of severe storms could affect the northern half of the state starting today and continuing through the end of the week, with hazards including large hail, damaging winds, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. As the week progresses, these risks are anticipated to expand further south.
“The State of Texas is ready to swiftly respond to severe weather expected across the state this week,” said Governor Abbott. “State and local emergency response personnel are on standby to support Texas communities through the potential heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and tornadoes across Texas and wildfire threats in West Texas. Texans are urged to monitor weather, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”
In addition to preparing for severe storms, Governor Abbott also instructed TDEM to mobilize more wildfire response resources due to increased wildfire conditions affecting parts of Texas. This builds upon similar measures implemented last month in response to ongoing wildfire danger.
The Texas A&M Forest Service is currently monitoring elevated wildfire risks particularly impacting western regions of the state. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local forecasts and take steps necessary for personal safety and property protection.
To assist with both severe weather and wildfire operations at a local level, several agencies have been mobilized:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) has deployed Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads for flood rescue missions.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is providing game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped for hoist rescues.
– The Department of State Health Services’ Emergency Medical Task Force has prepared Severe Weather Support Packages including medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas A&M Forest Service’s Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System has supplied firefighters along with fire engines, bulldozers, motor graders; federally contracted firefighting aircraft such as large air tankers for retardant drops; single-engine air tankers; and an air attack platform for surveillance.
– The Texas National Guard is contributing Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters capable of firefighting support.
– Personnel from the Department of Transportation are monitoring road conditions throughout affected areas.
– The Department of Public Safety will provide helicopters with hoist capabilities as well as Highway Patrol Troopers and members from its Tactical Marine Unit.
– Disaster Assessment Agents from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will address agricultural needs in impacted communities.
– The Public Utility Commission is coordinating power outage monitoring with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission is tracking natural gas supply issues while maintaining communication with oil and gas companies.
– Environmental quality monitoring—covering air, water, wastewater—is being managed by the Commission on Environmental Quality.
Texans are advised to follow instructions issued by local authorities when preparing for emergencies. Recommendations include developing an emergency plan and assembling a kit containing essential supplies.
Safety information related to severe weather can be found at https://www.texasready.gov/, while current road conditions are available at https://drivetexas.org/. Flood safety tips can be accessed via https://texasflood.org/, up-to-date wildfire details are posted at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/, and general preparedness resources can be reviewed at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare/.
