Governor Greg Abbott announced on Apr. 10 that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather expected to affect several regions across Texas over the coming days.
The move comes as forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate thunderstorms are likely to impact a large area through the weekend and into early next week, bringing risks such as hail, damaging winds, heavy rain with flash flooding potential, and possible tornadoes. The initial focus is 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.”
At Governor Abbott’s direction, multiple agencies have prepared specialized teams for deployment: swiftwater rescue boat squads from Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Task Force 2; incident management teams from the Division of Emergency Management; road monitoring personnel from the Department of Transportation; saw crews from the Forest Service; game wardens with rescue boats from Parks & Wildlife; Highway Patrol troopers with helicopters from Public Safety; medical support packages with medics and ambulances; disaster assessment agents for agricultural needs; power outage coordination by the Public Utility Commission; natural gas supply monitoring by the Railroad Commission; and environmental quality monitoring by TCEQ. Wildfire response resources remain engaged in West and Northwest Texas due to ongoing fire risks.
Residents are urged to assemble emergency supply kits, review family plans, follow directions from officials, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, find safety information at TexasReady.gov, or access preparedness resources at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Greg Abbott serves as the 48th governor leading these efforts according to the official website. The Office of the Texas Governor acts as executive branch leader providing services statewide according to its official website, advancing cultural understanding through commissions supporting women’s opportunities and people with disabilities according to its official website. The office also promotes economic opportunity, education and public safety while upholding state values according to its official website.
The historic Greek Revival-style Governor’s Mansion has served as residence since 1856 according to its official website, making it one of America’s oldest continuously occupied governor’s residences according to its official website.
