Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize state emergency resources in anticipation of severe weather expected to affect Southeast and East Texas starting tomorrow.
“Texas is prepared to swiftly respond to severe storms expected across the southeastern and eastern portion of the state,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate all necessary resources to assist Texas communities ahead of potential severe weather. 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 strong storm system with a cold front will bring heavy rain to East and Southeast Texas, raising concerns about flash flooding. There are also risks of damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes. The threat may continue through the holiday weekend. Residents are advised to keep up with local forecast updates.
In response, several state agencies have made resources available:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) is deploying swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) will provide support packages that include medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is assigning game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped for hoist rescues.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety will have helicopters with hoist capability, Highway Patrol Troopers, and Tactical Marine Unit personnel ready.
– The Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions.
– The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is preparing disaster assessment agents and county extension agents for agricultural needs.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas will monitor power outages and coordinate with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas will oversee natural gas supplies and communicate with the oil and gas industry.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will conduct air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
State emergency management officials are also tracking forecasts that indicate colder temperatures could arrive early next week in Northwest Texas. These conditions may bring snowfall or ice along with sub-freezing temperatures.
Texans are urged to develop emergency plans, prepare supply kits, follow official instructions during emergencies, consult storm safety tips at https://www.texasready.gov/, check real-time road conditions at https://drivetexas.org/, find flood safety information at https://texasflood.org/, and access preparedness resources at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
