Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe storms expected to impact West Texas over the coming weekend.
“Texas stands ready to deploy all resources and support needed to help communities across the state respond to severe storms anticipated this weekend,” Governor Abbott said. “With the potential for tornadoes, heavy rain, and flash flooding, people in West Texas are urged to monitor road conditions before traveling, heed the guidance of local and emergency officials, and check local weather forecasts to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The National Weather Service is forecasting severe thunderstorms for the western half of Texas, including regions such as the Panhandle, South Plains, Far West Texas, Big Bend, Permian Basin, Concho Valley, and Big Country. These storms are predicted to begin later tonight and continue through early next week. Hazards include damaging winds, large hail, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and risks of flash flooding. Dry conditions in other parts of the state have also increased wildfire danger.
State agencies have been mobilized at Governor Abbott’s direction. Resources include swiftwater rescue boat squads from Texas A&M Task Force 1; game wardens with rescue boats and helicopters from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; medics and ambulances from the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force; personnel monitoring road conditions from the Texas Department of Transportation; helicopters with hoist capabilities from the Department of Public Safety; disaster assessment agents from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service; power outage monitoring by the Public Utility Commission; oversight of natural gas supply by the Railroad Commission; and air/water/wastewater monitoring by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Texans are advised to follow instructions from local officials, make an emergency plan, prepare essential supplies kits, monitor road conditions at https://drivetexas.org/, review flood safety information at https://texasflood.org/, access severe weather tips at https://www.texasready.gov/, and find preparedness resources at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
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