Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe storms expected to impact Texas starting tonight.
“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to severe storms anticipated this weekend,” said Governor Abbott. “I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate all necessary resources to assist Texas communities ahead of potential severe weather. Texans are urged to surveil road conditions before traveling, remain weather-aware, and have a plan in place in case of emergency.”
The National Weather Service forecasts that a storm system will move through the state this weekend, with impacts beginning later today from the Big Bend region to the Red River Valley. The threat is expected to expand eastward as the weekend progresses, affecting most of eastern Texas. Hazards include strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes. Residents are advised to stay updated on forecasts and follow guidance from local officials.
State emergency response resources made available at the Governor’s direction include swiftwater rescue boat squads from Texas A&M Task Force 1; medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles from the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force; game wardens and helicopters with hoist capability from the Parks and Wildlife Department; helicopters and troopers from the Department of Public Safety; personnel monitoring road conditions from the Department of Transportation; disaster assessment agents for agricultural needs; power outage monitoring by the Public Utility Commission; natural gas supply oversight by the Railroad Commission; and air, water, and wastewater monitoring by the Commission on Environmental Quality.
Emergency management officials are also watching for increased wildfire danger across South, West, and Northwest Texas into next week. Texans are encouraged to prepare an emergency kit and stay informed about local conditions.
Storm safety tips can be found at TexasReady.gov. Real-time road conditions are available at DriveTexas.org. Flood safety information is provided at TexasFlood.org. All-hazards preparedness resources can be accessed at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Governor Abbott has led his office since being elected in 2014 according to its official website https://gov.texas.gov/. The Office maintains its primary offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building https://gov.texas.gov/, provides services statewide https://gov.texas.gov/, focuses on job creation and economic opportunities https://gov.texas.gov/, contributed to record employment levels https://gov.texas.gov/, and earned recognition when Greg Abbott was listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 https://gov.texas.gov/.
