Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe storms expected to affect West Texas over the coming weekend.
“Texas stands ready to deploy all resources and support needed to help communities across the state respond to severe storms anticipated this weekend,” said Governor Abbott. “With the potential for tornadoes, heavy rain, and flash flooding, people in West Texas are urged to monitor road conditions before traveling, heed the guidance of local and emergency officials, and check local weather forecasts to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
The National Weather Service is forecasting severe thunderstorms for several regions in western Texas—including the Panhandle, South Plains, Far West Texas, Big Bend, Permian Basin, Concho Valley, and Big Country—beginning later tonight and continuing through early next week. These storms could bring damaging winds, large hail, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. In addition to storm threats, dry conditions elsewhere in the state have raised concerns about increased wildfire danger.
To address these risks, a range of state agencies have been mobilized:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) will provide swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is deploying game wardens with rescue boats and helicopters equipped with hoist capabilities.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) is preparing Severe Weather Support Packages that include medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety is assigning helicopters with hoist capabilities as well as Highway Patrol Troopers and Tactical Marine Units.
– The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will send disaster assessment agents to assist with agricultural needs.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas will oversee power outage monitoring in coordination with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas will monitor natural gas supplies while communicating with oil and gas industry representatives.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will be responsible for air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
Residents are encouraged to follow instructions from local officials. Preparedness steps include making an emergency plan and assembling essential supplies. Safety tips related to severe weather can be found at https://texasready.gov/, while current road conditions are available at https://drivetexas.org/ and flood safety information at https://texasflood.org/. Additional preparedness resources can be accessed through https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
