Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather expected across Texas this week. The announcement comes as forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate that multiple rounds of severe storms may impact the northern half of the state starting today and continuing through the end of the week. Potential hazards include large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. The risk area is projected to expand further south as the week progresses.
“The State of Texas is ready to swiftly respond to severe weather expected across the state this week,” said Governor Abbott. “State and local emergency response personnel are on standby to support Texas communities through the potential heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and tornadoes across Texas and wildfire threats in West Texas. Texans are urged to monitor weather, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”
In addition to storm preparations, Governor Abbott has instructed TDEM to mobilize more wildfire response resources due to heightened wildfire conditions affecting parts of Texas. This follows a previous activation last month for similar risks. The Texas A&M Forest Service continues monitoring increased wildfire threats particularly in western regions.
To address these challenges, several agencies have been tasked with providing support:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) will deploy swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will provide game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped for hoist operations.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) is preparing medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles as part of its Severe Weather Support Packages.
– The Texas A&M Forest Service will supply firefighters, fire engines, bulldozers, aircraft for firefighting including tankers for retardant drops and surveillance platforms.
– The Texas National Guard will have Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters available with firefighting capabilities.
– Personnel from the Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions.
– The Department of Public Safety will provide helicopters with hoist capabilities along with Highway Patrol Troopers and a Tactical Marine Unit.
– Agents from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will assist with disaster assessment as well as agricultural needs.
– The Public Utility Commission will oversee power outage monitoring in coordination with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission will monitor natural gas supplies while communicating with oil and gas industry representatives.
– The Commission on Environmental Quality will conduct air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
Residents are encouraged by officials to prepare by following instructions from local authorities, creating an emergency plan, and assembling essential supplies.
Safety information regarding severe weather can be found at https://www.texasready.gov/, road condition updates at https://drivetexas.org/, flood safety tips at https://texasflood.org/, current wildfire status at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/, and general preparedness resources at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Texans are advised to stay alert by monitoring forecasts locally and taking steps necessary for personal safety during these events.
