Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to raise the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to Level III, indicating increased preparedness as severe storms are expected across much of Texas this week.
“In preparation for forecasted severe storms, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to increase the readiness level of the State Operations Center,” Governor Abbott said. “Texas stands ready to respond and swiftly deploy all necessary resources to support local officials with response operations and ensure the safety of Texans. Texans are urged to remain weather-aware and heed the guidance of state and local officials and emergency response personnel to protect themselves and their loved ones.”
The National Weather Service reports that a storm system moving through Texas beginning today could bring heavy rainfall, leading to flash flooding in areas including West, North, Central, Southwest, and East Texas. The thunderstorms may also result in damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes. Additional storms are predicted for early next week in significant regions of the state. Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts.
Following Governor Abbott’s directive, TDEM requested representatives from several agencies—such as the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas A&M Forest Service, Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force), A&M Engineering Extension Service, Parks and Wildlife Department, Department of Public Safety, and National Guard—to report for 24-hour operations at the State Operations Center.
Additional emergency resources have been activated ahead of rising flood risks. These include swiftwater rescue boat squads from Texas A&M Task Force 1; high profile vehicles and Blackhawk helicopters from the National Guard; incident management teams from TDEM; strike teams with fire engines from A&M Forest Service; medical support packages from State Health Services; game wardens with rescue boats from Parks and Wildlife; helicopters with hoist capability from Public Safety; road monitoring by Transportation personnel; disaster assessment agents from AgriLife Extension Service; power outage coordination by the Public Utility Commission; natural gas supply monitoring by Railroad Commission; and environmental quality checks by the Commission on Environmental Quality.
Governor Abbott had previously directed TDEM to activate these resources in anticipation of severe weather impacts.
Texans are encouraged to complete preparations for severe weather by making an emergency plan, assembling a disaster supply kit, and following instructions from local officials. Road conditions can be checked at DriveTexas.org. Severe weather tips are available at TexasReady.gov. Flood safety information is provided at TexasFlood.org. Additional preparedness resources can be found at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
