Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of severe weather expected to affect many parts of Texas this week. The move comes as forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate that multiple rounds of storms, including threats such as large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding, are likely across the northern half of the state beginning today and potentially spreading further south later in the week.
In a statement, Governor Abbott said: “The State of Texas is ready to swiftly respond to severe weather expected across the state this week. State and local emergency response personnel are on standby to support Texas communities through the potential heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and tornadoes across Texas and wildfire threats in West Texas. Texans are urged to monitor weather, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”
Alongside preparations for severe storms, Governor Abbott has also ordered TDEM to mobilize additional wildfire response resources due to ongoing wildfire conditions impacting several communities. This action builds on similar measures taken last month when wildfire danger prompted earlier resource activations.
The Texas A&M Forest Service is closely monitoring increased wildfire risk in western areas of the state. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about changing weather conditions and take necessary precautions for personal safety and property protection.
A range of agencies have been activated under the Governor’s direction:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) will deploy swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will provide game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped with hoists.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) is preparing medics, ambulances, all-terrain vehicles, and other support packages.
– The Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System) will coordinate firefighters at both state and local levels along with equipment such as fire engines and aircraft for firefighting operations.
– The Texas National Guard will utilize Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters capable of firefighting.
– Personnel from the Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions.
– The Department of Public Safety is deploying helicopters with hoist capabilities as well as Highway Patrol Troopers.
– Disaster Assessment Agents from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will support agricultural needs.
– Power outages will be monitored by the Public Utility Commission in coordination with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission is overseeing natural gas supplies in communication with oil and gas operators.
– Environmental monitoring will be conducted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Texans are advised to follow instructions from local authorities. Guidance includes creating an emergency plan and assembling a kit with essential supplies.
For more information about severe weather safety tips visit https://www.texasready.gov/, check current road conditions at https://drivetexas.org/, access flood safety details at https://texasflood.org/, or view updated wildfire information at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/. Preparedness resources can also be found at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare/.
