Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe storms expected to impact West Texas over the weekend.
“Texas stands ready to deploy all resources and support needed to help communities across the state respond to severe storms anticipated this weekend,” said Governor Abbott. “With the potential for tornadoes, heavy rain, and flash flooding, people in West Texas are urged to monitor road conditions before traveling, heed the guidance of local and emergency officials, and check local weather forecasts to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The National Weather Service forecasts that thunderstorms will affect several regions including the Panhandle, South Plains, Far West Texas, Big Bend, Permian Basin, Concho Valley, and Big Country. The storms are expected to begin later tonight and continue through early next week. They may bring damaging winds, large hail, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. Dry conditions elsewhere in the state have also increased wildfire risks.
State agencies have mobilized a range of resources at Governor Abbott’s direction. These include swiftwater rescue boat squads from Texas A&M Task Force 1; game wardens and helicopter teams from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; medical support packages from the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force; personnel monitoring road conditions from the Texas Department of Transportation; helicopters with hoist capabilities from the Department of Public Safety; disaster assessment agents from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service; power outage monitoring by the Public Utility Commission of Texas; oversight of natural gas supply by the Railroad Commission of Texas; and environmental monitoring by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Residents are encouraged to follow instructions from local officials, make an emergency plan, and prepare essential supplies. Information about severe weather safety can be found at https://www.texasready.gov/, current road conditions at https://drivetexas.org/, flood safety at https://texasflood.org/, and general preparedness resources at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
