Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of tropical weather threats expected to affect Southeast and East Texas in the coming days.
“Texas is prepared to provide all necessary resources to support local officials as a severe storm system moves along the Gulf Coast towards East and Southeast Texas and the Texas Coast,” stated Governor Abbott. He urged Texans to take precautions, monitor forecasts, road conditions, and have an emergency plan ready.
The National Hurricane Center is observing a tropical weather system moving across the northeastern Gulf coast, which could bring heavy rain to Southeast and East Texas and pose a rip current threat for the Texas Coast. Texans are advised to stay updated with local forecast information.
Under Governor Abbott’s direction, various state emergency response resources have been made available:
– The State of Texas Incident Management Team will support deployed emergency response resources.
– Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) will assist with flood rescues.
– Strike Teams from the Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System) will support local departments.
– Severe Weather Support Packages from the Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) include medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
– High profile vehicles from the Texas National Guard will assist stranded motorists.
– Personnel from the Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions.
– Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will aid in flood rescues.
– Helicopters with hoist capabilities, along with troopers from the Texas Highway Patrol Troopers and Tactical Marine Unit from the Texas Department of Public Safety, are on standby.
– Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as County Extension Agents from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will address agricultural needs.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas is monitoring power outages and coordinating with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas is overseeing natural gas supply communication with oil and gas industries.
– Air/water/wastewater monitoring by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is ongoing.
These measures come as TDEM continues supporting local responses following statewide flooding. Texans are encouraged to stay informed through local officials’ directions, create an emergency plan, and prepare an emergency supply kit.
For more safety information regarding tropical weather preparedness, residents can visit websites such as texasready.gov for general tips or tdem.texas.gov/prepare for hazard-specific advice.
