Texas Activates Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of Severe Weather

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott today announced that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of severe weather expected to impact multiple regions of Texas this week.

"The State of Texas is taking action to prepare for severe storms expected to affect Texans in North, West, and Central Texas," said Governor Abbott. "Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to support Texans as severe storms move across our state that may bring potential flash flooding and heavy rain. I urge Texans to stay up to date by monitoring local forecast information, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown."

According to the National Weather Service, multiple rounds of thunderstorms that could become severe are expected across Texas beginning today and lasting through the end of the week. Storm activity is expected to impact multiple regions of Texas over several days, with the potential for repeated rounds of thunderstorms that threaten areas of North, West, and Central Texas and shift eastward as the week progresses. Primary hazards associated with these storms include large hail and damaging wind gusts, as well as heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding, and possible tornadoes.

At the direction of Governor Abbott, 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 and Texas Task Force 2): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads and Urban Search and Rescue Teams to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team and All Hazards Group responders to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
• Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw crews to assist with clearing roadways
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with water rescues
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, helicopters with hoist capability, Tactical Marine Unit
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents and 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, and wastewater monitoring

Additionally, TDEM and the Texas Emergency Management Council agencies continue to monitor increased wildfire conditions. State wildfire response resources deployed by Governor Abbott remain engaged across the state in support of local wildfire response operations.

Texans are encouraged to plan ahead for possible severe storm impacts by assembling an emergency supply kit, reviewing their family emergency plans, and staying informed through trusted local sources.

Texans can find severe weather safety information at TexasReady.gov, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, and access all hazards preparedness resources at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.