Abbott Activates State Emergency Resources Ahead of Severe Storms Across Texas

AUSTIN, TX — Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of a growing threat of severe storms for a large portion of Texas beginning tonight and lasting through the weekend.

"Texas stands ready to deploy all emergency resources needed to help local officials respond to potential severe weather across the state," said Governor Abbott. "State and local emergency response partners are actively monitoring weather conditions and are on standby to provide all necessary resources to protect Texans and our communities. Texans are encouraged to regularly monitor road conditions, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials."

According to the National Weather Service, a storm system will push through the state, bringing with it a threat of severe thunderstorms including large hail, damaging winds, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. Excessive rainfall on very dry, drought-hardened ground may cause water to run off more quickly, therefore increasing the risk of localized flash flooding. The threat begins across areas of West Texas, the Panhandle, South Plains, and North Texas. As we head into the weekend, the risk shifts further south and east to include the Concho Valley, Permian Basin, Big Country, Hill Country, Piney Woods, Brazos Valley, Golden Triangle, and Deep East Texas regions, as well as South, Central, and Southeast Texas. Texans are encouraged to monitor local forecast information.

At the Governor’s direction, the following state emergency response resources are available to support local severe weather response operations:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1, Texas Task Force 2): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads, Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue teams to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
• Texas National Guard: High profile vehicles and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood response operations
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capability, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as County Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
• Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring

Texans are urged to prepare by following instructions of local officials, making an emergency plan, and building a kit containing essential supplies.

Texans can locate severe weather safety tips at TexasReady.gov, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, and obtain flood safety information at TexasFlood.org. All-hazards preparedness resources are available online at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.