Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe storms expected to impact much of Texas starting tonight and continuing through the weekend.
“Texas stands ready to deploy all emergency resources needed 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 provide all necessary resources to protect 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.”
The National Weather Service forecasts that a storm system will move through Texas, bringing severe thunderstorms with risks including large hail, damaging winds, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. Rainfall could be particularly hazardous due to dry ground conditions that may increase runoff and raise the risk of localized flash flooding. The initial threat will affect West Texas, the Panhandle, South Plains, and North Texas before shifting south and east over the weekend to regions such as the Concho Valley, Permian Basin, Big Country, Hill Country, Piney Woods, Brazos Valley, Golden Triangle, Deep East Texas, as well as South, Central, and Southeast Texas.
In preparation for these weather events, multiple agencies have been mobilized:
– Swiftwater rescue boat squads and urban search teams from Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Task Force 2 will assist with flood rescues.
– The Texas Emergency Medical Task Force is deploying medics with ambulances and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas National Guard is providing high-profile vehicles and helicopters equipped for hoist operations during flood responses.
– The State Incident Management Team is coordinating statewide emergency resources.
– Game Wardens from Parks and Wildlife will operate rescue boats and helicopters for flood rescues.
– The Department of Public Safety is assigning helicopters with hoist capabilities along with Highway Patrol Troopers.
– Department of Transportation personnel are monitoring road conditions across affected areas.
– Disaster Assessment Agents from AgriLife Extension Service are supporting agricultural needs.
– The Public Utility Commission is overseeing power outage monitoring in coordination with utility companies.
– The Railroad Commission is keeping track of natural gas supplies while maintaining communication with oil and gas industry partners.
– Environmental Quality staff are conducting air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
Texans are urged by officials to prepare by following local instructions, creating an emergency plan, and assembling essential supplies. For further information on safety tips related to severe weather preparedness visit https://www.texasready.gov/, for road condition updates see https://drivetexas.org/, for flood safety refer to https://www.texasflood.org/, or find additional preparedness resources at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
