Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources as severe storms are expected to impact a large part of Texas starting tonight and continuing through the weekend.
“Texas stands ready to deploy all emergency resources needed 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 provide all necessary resources to protect 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.”
The National Weather Service reports that a storm system will move across Texas, bringing risks such as large hail, damaging winds, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. The dry ground from ongoing drought may cause rainwater to run off quickly, raising the risk of localized flash flooding. The threat will first affect West Texas, the Panhandle, South Plains, and North Texas before shifting south and east over the weekend. Areas at risk later include the Concho Valley, Permian Basin, Big Country, Hill Country, Piney Woods, Brazos Valley, Golden Triangle, Deep East Texas regions as well as South, Central, and Southeast Texas.
In preparation for these storms, several state agencies have been mobilized:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service is providing swiftwater rescue boat squads and urban search-and-rescue teams.
– The Department of State Health Services is deploying medics with ambulances and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas National Guard is supplying high-profile vehicles and helicopters equipped for flood response.
– TDEM’s Incident Management Team will coordinate statewide emergency resources.
– Game Wardens from Parks and Wildlife will assist with rescue boats and helicopters.
– The Department of Public Safety is contributing helicopters with hoist capability along with highway patrol troopers.
– Transportation personnel will monitor road conditions throughout affected areas.
– Disaster Assessment Agents from AgriLife Extension Service will support agricultural needs.
– The Public Utility Commission is overseeing power outage monitoring in coordination with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission is tracking natural gas supplies while communicating with oil and gas operators.
– Environmental Quality staff will monitor air quality as well as water systems.
Residents are advised to prepare by following instructions from local authorities. They should develop an emergency plan and assemble essential supplies. For safety tips related to severe weather or floods residents can visit https://www.texasready.gov/, check road updates at https://drivetexas.org/, or access flood information at https://texasflood.org/. Additional preparedness resources can be found at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
