Governor Greg Abbott has instructed 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,” Governor Abbott said. “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 risks such as large hail, damaging winds, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. The agency notes that because recent drought has left ground dry and hardened, rainfall may lead to faster runoff and an increased risk of localized flash flooding. The threat is expected first in West Texas, the Panhandle, South Plains, and North Texas before moving into other regions including 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 forecasts, multiple agencies have made resources available for severe weather operations:
– Swiftwater rescue boat squads and urban search teams from Texas A&M Task Force 1 and 2
– Medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles from the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force
– High-profile vehicles and helicopters from the Texas National Guard for flood responses
– Incident management support from the State of Texas Incident Management Team
– Game Wardens with rescue boats from the Parks and Wildlife Department
– Helicopters with hoist capability from both the Department of Public Safety and Parks and Wildlife
– Road condition monitoring by Department of Transportation personnel
– Disaster assessment agents for agricultural needs from AgriLife Extension Service
– Power outage monitoring by the Public Utility Commission
– Monitoring natural gas supply by the Railroad Commission
– Air/water/wastewater monitoring by the Commission on Environmental Quality
Texans are advised to prepare for possible severe weather by following official instructions. Recommendations include creating an emergency plan and assembling a kit with essential supplies. Residents can find safety tips at https://www.texasready.gov/, check current road conditions at https://drivetexas.org/, get flood safety information at https://www.texasflood.org/, or access preparedness resources at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
