Abbott Activates State Resources Ahead of Severe Weather, Wildfire Threats

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 forecasted to pose a threat to Texans across the state this week.

“The State of Texas is ready to swiftly respond to severe weather expected across the state this week," said Governor Abbott. "State and local emergency response personnel are on standby to support Texas communities through the potential heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and tornadoes across Texas and wildfire threats in West Texas. Texans are urged to monitor weather, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

According to the National Weather Service, multiple rounds of severe storms are possible across the northern half of the state beginning today through the end of the week. Potential hazards include large hail, damaging wind, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. The risk is expected to expand further south as the week progresses.

The Governor also directed TDEM to mobilize additional wildfire response resources amid wildfire conditions impacting Texas communities. This is in addition to the state wildfire response resources activated last month for wildfire danger.

The Texas A&M Forest Service is monitoring increased wildfire conditions posing a risk to the western half of the state. Texans are encouraged to remain weather-aware, monitor local forecasts, and take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their property.

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

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability 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 A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): State and local firefighters and support personnel, fire engines, bulldozers and motor graders; federally contracted firefighting aircraft, including a large air tanker, single-engine air tankers for retardant drops, and an air attack platform for surveillance and spotting
• Texas National Guard: Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters with firefighting capability
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit
• 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, obtain flood safety information at TexasFlood.org, and find current wildfire information at tfsweb.tamu.edu. All-hazards preparedness resources are available online at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.