Governor Greg Abbott announced on Apr. 10 that he has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources ahead of expected severe weather across multiple regions of Texas over the coming days.
The move is intended to help local officials respond to potentially dangerous conditions, including large hail, damaging winds, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, and possible tornadoes. The National Weather Service forecasts that thunderstorms will affect a broad area through the weekend and into early next week, with initial concerns focused on West, North/Northwest, Central, and South Texas before shifting toward Northeast Texas.
“The State of Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to help local officials respond to potential severe weather across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “State and local emergency response partners are actively monitoring weather conditions and are on standby to help ensure safety for Texans and our communities. Texans are encouraged to regularly monitor road conditions, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials.”
In preparation for these hazards, a range of state agencies have been mobilized. Resources include swiftwater rescue boat squads from Texas A&M Task Force teams; incident management support from the Division of Emergency Management; roadway monitoring by the Department of Transportation; saw crews from the Forest Service; water rescue teams from Parks and Wildlife; highway patrol troopers from Public Safety; medical task force support packages; agricultural disaster agents; power outage coordination by the Public Utility Commission; natural gas supply monitoring by the Railroad Commission; as well as air, water, and wastewater oversight by Environmental Quality authorities.
Additionally, wildfire response operations continue in areas facing increased fire risk in West and Northwest Texas. Residents are urged to prepare for storms by assembling emergency kits and following official guidance.
Greg Abbott serves as the 48th governor leading the state’s executive branch according to the official website. The Governor’s office provides services statewide while advancing cultural understanding through commissions supporting opportunities for women and people with disabilities according to its website. It also promotes economic opportunity, education, public safety—and upholds values important in Texas according to its website.
The Governor’s Mansion has served as both a historic landmark since 1856 and is recognized as one of America’s oldest continuously occupied governor’s residences according to its website.
