Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe storms forecasted to affect Southeast and East Texas starting tomorrow.
“Texas is prepared to swiftly respond to severe storms expected across the southeastern and eastern portion of the state,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate all necessary resources to assist Texas communities ahead of potential severe weather. 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 strong storm system with a cold front will move through East and Southeast Texas, bringing heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding. Other risks include damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes. The threat may continue through the holiday weekend, and residents are advised to keep track of local weather updates.
In response, several state agencies have mobilized resources:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) is deploying swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) is providing medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles as part of Severe Weather Support Packages.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability ready for flood rescues.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety is making helicopters with hoist capability available along with Highway Patrol Troopers and its Tactical Marine Unit.
– The Texas Department of Transportation will have personnel monitoring road conditions.
– The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is assigning Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as County Extension Agents to support agricultural needs.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas will monitor power outages and coordinate with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas will oversee the state’s natural gas supply and communicate with oil and gas industry representatives.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will monitor air, water, and wastewater.
Emergency management officials are also watching forecasts for colder temperatures expected early next week that could bring snowfall and icy conditions to Northwest Texas along with sub-freezing temperatures. Residents are urged to prepare emergency supply kits and follow instructions from local authorities.
For more information on storm safety tips, Texans can visit https://texasready.gov/. Real-time road conditions are available at https://drivetexas.org/, while flood safety information can be found at https://texasflood.org/. Additional preparedness resources are provided at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
