Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in preparation for potential winter weather impacts across Texas starting Thursday.
“Based on current forecasts, the State of Texas is acting to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas,” Governor Abbott said. “As temperatures could drop below freezing and regions of Texas face snow, ice, and freezing rain, it is crucial that Texans remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance of state and local officials. I thank emergency management personnel and first responders for working tirelessly to keep Texans safe.”
The National Weather Service forecasts an arctic cold front that will bring dangerously low temperatures and wind chills through early next week. A storm system may also cause freezing rain, sleet, and snow over the weekend, potentially creating hazardous travel conditions and impacting infrastructure. The most at-risk areas include northwest, north, and northeast Texas. Freezing rain and sleet are expected in west, central, south-central, east, and southeast regions. Cold rain is likely in deep south Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.
In response to these threats, several state agencies have been activated:
– The Texas Department of Transportation will use winter weather equipment to treat roads and manage closures.
– TDEM’s Incident Management Team is coordinating with local partners on warming center updates.
– The Texas National Guard has deployed vehicles and personnel to assist stranded motorists.
– The Texas A&M Forest Service’s strike teams will help clear snow and ice.
– Game Wardens from the Parks and Wildlife Department will support law enforcement efforts.
– The Public Utility Commission will monitor power outages and coordinate with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission is monitoring natural gas supplies.
– The Commission on Environmental Quality will oversee air, water, and wastewater conditions.
– Highway Patrol Troopers from the Department of Public Safety are patrolling roads.
– Personnel from Engineering Extension Services are ready to assist with public works needs.
– Disaster Assessment Agents from AgriLife Extension Service are mobilized.
– Emergency Medical Task Force teams are equipped for severe weather responses.
– Health Services personnel will provide information via the 2-1-1 referral network.
– The Education Agency is monitoring school district needs statewide.
– Information Resources staff are overseeing technology infrastructure.
Texans are advised to stay informed about changing conditions by checking road status before travel and following official instructions. Winter safety tips can be found at TexasReady.gov; road updates at DriveTexas.org; warming centers at tdem.texas.gov/warm; and preparedness details at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Governor Abbott leads the executive office for the state government of Texas. His administration focuses on economic development, education enhancement, border security efforts, community initiatives, job growth support, and innovation within the state (https://gov.texas.gov/).
