Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of expected heavy rainfall this weekend. The forecast, influenced by moisture from the remnants of Hurricane Lorena and an incoming cold front, raises concerns about possible flash flooding across large portions of West, Northwest, Central, South, and Southeast Texas. North and Northeast Texas could also face severe storms with risks including damaging winds and large hail.
“Texas stands ready to assist local officials as severe weather threatens communities across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state resources in anticipation of potential flash flooding. Texans are urged to take all necessary precautions for severe weather, monitor forecasts and road conditions, heed guidance from state and local officials, and create an emergency plan to keep themselves and loved ones safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The National Weather Service is monitoring the situation closely as these weather systems converge over Texas. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on changing conditions.
To support local responses to severe weather events, several agencies have mobilized specialized teams:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) has deployed swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is providing game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped with hoist capabilities.
– The Texas National Guard is making Blackhawk helicopters available for rescue operations.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) is offering a Severe Weather Support Package that includes medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
– Personnel from the Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions throughout affected areas.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety is supplying helicopters with hoist capabilities along with Highway Patrol Troopers and Tactical Marine Unit members.
– Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will support agricultural needs alongside County Extension Agents.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas will oversee power outage monitoring in coordination with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas is responsible for monitoring natural gas supplies while communicating with oil and gas industry partners.
– Air, water, and wastewater monitoring will be handled by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Texans are advised to follow instructions from local officials when preparing for severe weather. This includes creating an emergency plan and assembling a kit with essential supplies. Additional safety information can be found at https://texasready.gov/, while up-to-date road conditions are available at https://drivetexas.org/. Flood-related updates can be accessed at https://texasflood.org/, and general preparedness tips are listed at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
