Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of winter weather conditions expected to impact the state starting Thursday.
“Based on current forecasts, the State of Texas is acting to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “As temperatures could drop below freezing and regions of Texas face snow, ice, and freezing rain, it is crucial that Texans remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance of state and local officials. I thank emergency management personnel and first responders for working tirelessly to keep Texans safe.”
The National Weather Service reports that an arctic cold front will bring dangerously low temperatures and wind chills through early next week. A storm system may also bring freezing rain, sleet, and snow into the weekend, which could lead to hazardous travel conditions and affect infrastructure. The areas most at risk include northwest, north, and northeast Texas for wintry precipitation. Freezing rain and sleet are likely in west, central, south-central, east, and southeast regions. Cold rain is forecasted for deep south Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.
At Governor Abbott’s direction, TDEM has mobilized several agencies:
– The Texas Department of Transportation is preparing roadways with equipment for pre-treatment as well as traffic control support.
– TDEM’s Incident Management Team is coordinating with local partners on warming center maps.
– The Texas National Guard will provide vehicles and personnel for stranded motorists.
– The Texas A&M Forest Service will deploy strike teams with equipment for snow or ice clearance.
– Game Wardens from Parks and Wildlife will assist law enforcement with high-profile vehicles.
– The Public Utility Commission will monitor power outages in coordination with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission will oversee natural gas supply communications.
– Environmental Quality staff will monitor air and water systems.
– Highway Patrol Troopers from Public Safety are patrolling roadways.
– Engineering Extension Service teams are ready to assist public works needs.
– AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment Agents are on standby.
– Medical Task Force units have medics and ambulances available for severe weather response.
– Health & Human Services staff can provide service information via 2-1-1 referrals.
– Education Agency officials are monitoring school district needs statewide.
– Information Resources personnel are watching technology infrastructure.
Texans are encouraged to stay informed about changing weather conditions by visiting TexasReady.gov for safety tips. Road condition updates can be found at DriveTexas.org, while warming center locations are available at tdem.texas.gov/warm. General preparedness details can be accessed at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Governor Abbott leads the executive office responsible for overseeing government operations in Texas. His administration supports economic development initiatives as well as community programs throughout the state (official website).
