Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to raise the readiness level at the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to Level III, which indicates increased readiness, as severe storms are expected to impact the state this week.
“In preparation for forecasted severe storms, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to increase the readiness level of the State Operations Center,” Governor Abbott said. “Texas stands ready to respond and swiftly deploy all necessary resources to support local officials with response operations and ensure the safety of Texans. Texans are urged to remain weather-aware and heed the guidance of state and local officials and emergency response personnel to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
The National Weather Service reports that a storm system beginning today is likely to bring heavy rain, potentially causing flash flooding in large parts of West, North, Central, Southwest, and East Texas. The thunderstorms may also bring damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes. More storms are expected early next week. Residents are advised to monitor forecasts closely.
In response, TDEM has called on representatives from several agencies within the Texas Emergency Management Council—including the Department of Transportation, A&M Forest Service, Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force), A&M Engineering Extension Service, Parks and Wildlife Department, Department of Public Safety, and National Guard—to begin 24-hour operations at the SOC.
Additional state emergency resources have been activated ahead of anticipated flooding. These include swiftwater rescue boat squads from Texas A&M Task Force 1; high profile vehicles and Blackhawk helicopters from the National Guard; incident management teams from TDEM; strike teams with fire engines from A&M Forest Service; medics and ambulances from State Health Services; game wardens with rescue boats from Parks and Wildlife; helicopters with hoist capability from Public Safety; road monitoring by Transportation staff; disaster assessment agents from AgriLife Extension Service; power outage coordination by the Public Utility Commission; natural gas supply monitoring by Railroad Commission; and environmental quality checks by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Governor Abbott had already directed TDEM yesterday to activate some emergency resources in anticipation of these storm impacts.
Residents are encouraged to finalize their preparedness plans for severe weather. This includes creating an emergency plan, assembling a disaster kit, and following instructions issued by local officials.
Road conditions can be checked at DriveTexas.org. Severe weather tips are available at TexasReady.gov. Flood safety information can be found at TexasFlood.org. Additional preparedness resources can be accessed through tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
