Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to increase the readiness level of the Texas State Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response) in preparation for severe weather threats. The state is set to face multiple weather hazards over the next few days.

In a press release, Governor Abbott stated, "The State of Texas stands ready to deploy all available resources to take care of Texans and our communities as multiple severe weather threats begin to impact the state tomorrow." He emphasized the importance of swift deployment of support and resources to impacted communities.

The National Weather Service has warned of various weather conditions, including strong winds, blowing snow, critical fire weather conditions, and severe thunderstorms. The Panhandle is expected to experience snowfall and dangerous wind chills, while West/Southwest Texas may face fire weather conditions. East/Southeast Texas should be prepared for severe thunderstorms with large hail, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. Strong winds are also expected across the state, with gusts reaching 60-70 miles per hour in some areas.

Texans are urged to stay vigilant, monitor weather conditions, and follow the guidance of local officials and emergency management personnel. The Texas Division of Emergency Management has requested several agencies to report to the State Operations Center and have their resources ready for deployment as needed. These agencies include the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Animal Health Commission, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Railroad Commission of Texas, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Texas National Guard, Texas Department of Information Resources, Texas Education Agency, and Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.

Last week, Governor Abbott instructed TDEM to prepare state emergency response resources in anticipation of these storm systems. Texans are advised to create an emergency plan, follow instructions from local officials and first responders, and keep an emergency supply kit readily available. Important weather safety information can be found on TexasReady.gov, warming centers can be located at tdem.texas.gov/warm, road conditions can be checked at DriveTexas.org, and flood tracking information is available at TexasFlood.org.

As Texas braces for severe weather, Governor Abbott's proactive measures demonstrate the state's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.

Click this link to access more information: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-increases-readiness-level-of-state-operations-center-ahead-of-severe-weather-threats