Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional state emergency response resources as severe storms are forecasted to affect several regions across Texas this weekend. Areas at risk include North, East, and Central Texas, as well as the Texas Panhandle.
“Texas continues to closely monitor conditions as severe weather moves across our state,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to protect Texans from anticipated flash flooding and heavy rains. I urge Texans to take all necessary precautions for potential weather hazards including monitoring forecasts and having an emergency plan to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”
The National Weather Service has warned that thunderstorms may bring excessive rainfall leading to flash flooding and damaging winds, which could create hazardous conditions in affected areas. Residents are encouraged to prepare for these events by monitoring local forecasts and accessing flood information at https://texasflood.org/.
In response, several state agencies have been mobilized:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) is providing swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues.
– The Texas A&M Forest Service is deploying strike teams with personnel and fire engines through the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services will supply Severe Weather Support Packages that include medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
– The Texas Department of Transportation will have personnel monitoring road conditions.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is deploying game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped with hoist capabilities for flood rescues.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety is sending helicopters with hoist capabilities, Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit.
– The Texas National Guard will utilize Blackhawk helicopters with hoist capability, high-profile vehicles, and personnel to assist stranded motorists.
– Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will support agricultural needs.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas will oversee power outage monitoring in coordination with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas will monitor natural gas supplies while communicating with the oil and gas industry.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will conduct air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
Earlier in the week, Governor Abbott had already directed TDEM to activate emergency response resources ahead of storm threats in Northwest Texas.
Residents are advised to make emergency plans, follow guidance from local officials, assemble emergency supply kits, check road conditions at https://drivetexas.org/, review flood safety tips at https://texasready.gov/, access up-to-date flood information at https://texasflood.org/, and consult general preparedness resources at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
