Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional state resources in response to potential severe weather conditions projected to impact Texas throughout the week. The decision comes as expected heavy rain, large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes threaten areas across North, Central, East, and West Texas.
“Texans should prepare for severe weather across North, Central, East, and West Texas throughout the week,” said Governor Abbott. “With the potential for large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, and flash flooding, Texans are encouraged to regularly monitor weather conditions, heed the guidance of state and local officials, and have an emergency plan to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Texas stands ready to support local officials and first responders across the state as they protect their fellow Texans this week.”
The National Weather Service forecasts severe thunderstorms, with large hail and strong winds, moving across the state. Initial impacts are expected in West Texas before moving to North, Central, and East Texas.
In preparation, several state emergency resources are on standby to support local operations. Among them are the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service’s Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads and Urban Search and Rescue Teams, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s rescue boat teams and helicopters, and the Texas Department of Public Safety’s helicopters and Tactical Marine Unit.
Other agencies involved include the Texas Department of Transportation for road monitoring, the Texas A&M Forest Service for roadway clearing, and the Public Utility Commission of Texas for power outage coordination. The Railroad Commission of Texas is monitoring the state’s natural gas supply, while the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality oversees air and water quality. The Texas Department of State Health Services has prepared Severe Weather Support Packages.
Residents are advised to follow instructions from local authorities, make an emergency plan, and assemble an emergency supply kit. For additional information, Texans can visit DriveTexas.org for road conditions, TexasReady.gov for safety information, TexasFlood.org for flood details, and tdem.texas.gov/prepare for preparedness tips.
