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 affect Texas starting tonight.
“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to severe storms anticipated this weekend,” said Governor Abbott. “I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate all necessary resources to assist Texas communities ahead of potential severe weather. Texans are urged to surveil road conditions before traveling, remain weather-aware, and have a plan in place in case of emergency.”
The National Weather Service reports that a storm system will move through the state this weekend, bringing possible severe weather impacts beginning later today from the Big Bend region to the Red River Valley. The threat will expand eastward as the weekend progresses, affecting most of eastern Texas. Expected hazards include strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes. Residents are advised to monitor updated forecasts and follow local official guidance.
At Governor Abbott’s direction, several agencies have mobilized resources for local storm response operations:
– Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads from Texas A&M Task Force 1 for flood rescues.
– Severe Weather Support Packages from the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
– Game Wardens and rescue teams from the Parks and Wildlife Department with helicopters equipped for hoist rescues.
– Helicopters with hoist capability and Highway Patrol Troopers from the Department of Public Safety.
– Road condition monitoring by Department of Transportation personnel.
– Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents from AgriLife Extension Service for agricultural support.
– Power outage monitoring by the Public Utility Commission in coordination with utility providers.
– Monitoring natural gas supply by the Railroad Commission and communication with oil and gas companies.
– Air, water, and wastewater monitoring by the Commission on Environmental Quality.
Emergency management officials are also watching for increased wildfire danger across South, West, and Northwest Texas into next week. Texans are encouraged to prepare emergency plans and supply kits while staying informed about local conditions.
Safety tips can be found at TexasReady.gov. Real-time road updates are available at DriveTexas.org. Flood safety information is posted at TexasFlood.org. Additional preparedness resources can be accessed at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Greg Abbott has led as governor since his election in 2014 according to his official website. The Office of Governor maintains its primary offices in Austin and provides statewide services. Under Abbott’s leadership the office has focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education improvement, individual liberties protection, parental empowerment in schools, and southern border security. The governor was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to his official website.
