Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) 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 threats such as large hail, damaging winds, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. The risk is heightened due to excessive rainfall on drought-hardened ground, which can increase runoff and lead to localized flash flooding. Initially affecting West Texas, the Panhandle, South Plains, and North Texas, the threat is expected to shift southward and eastward over the weekend. Regions at risk include 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 response to these risks, several state agencies have been mobilized:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Task Force 2) will provide swiftwater rescue boat squads and urban search-and-rescue teams for flood rescues.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) will deploy medics with ambulances and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas National Guard will supply high-profile vehicles and helicopters equipped with hoists for flood response operations.
– TDEM’s State of Texas Incident Management Team will support deployed resources statewide.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will contribute game wardens along with rescue boats and helicopters for flood rescues.
– The Department of Public Safety is providing helicopters with hoist capability as well as Highway Patrol Troopers and Tactical Marine Unit personnel.
– The Department of Transportation is monitoring road conditions across affected areas.
– The A&M AgriLife Extension Service is offering disaster assessment agents for agricultural needs.
– The Public Utility Commission is coordinating power outage responses with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission is overseeing natural gas supply monitoring in communication with oil and gas operators.
– The Commission on Environmental Quality is conducting air/water/wastewater monitoring.
Residents are advised by state officials to prepare by following instructions from local authorities. Recommendations include making an emergency plan and assembling a kit with essential supplies.
Safety tips for severe weather can be found at https://texasready.gov/, while current road conditions are available at https://drivetexas.org/. Flood safety information can be accessed at https://texasflood.org/, with additional preparedness resources provided online at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
