Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to raise the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response). This decision comes as Texas faces critical wildfire conditions and severe weather threats. Governor Abbott also expanded the state's wildfire disaster declaration to include 33 additional counties, bringing the total to 236 counties affected by increased fire weather conditions.

"Texas continues to monitor the heightened wildfire and severe weather threats that are expected to impact large portions of the state," stated Governor Abbott. "Today, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to increase the readiness level of the State Operations Center to ensure resources and support are swiftly deployed to help Texans and local communities prepare and respond."

The Texas A&M Forest Service reports that extremely critical fire danger is anticipated in West, Central, and South Texas due to high winds and low humidity. The service is keeping an eye on conditions for a possible Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak. Meanwhile, North and East Texas face increased risks from severe storms with potential hazards such as tornadoes, damaging wind, large hail, and heavy rainfall.

In response to these threats, various agencies have been requested by TDEM to report to the SOC. These include:

- The Texas A&M Forest Service with more than 250 firefighters, firefighting aircrafts including air tankers and helicopters.

- The Texas National Guard providing Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters.

- The Texas Department of Public Safety offering helicopters with hoist capabilities.

- Other state departments ensuring preparedness in areas like health services, transportation monitoring, utility coordination, animal health management, environmental quality checks, technology infrastructure monitoring among others.

Governor Abbott urged Texans who have suffered damage from severe storms to report it through TDEM’s online damage survey. This tool helps assess damage severity but does not replace insurance reporting or guarantee disaster relief assistance.

Residents are encouraged to prepare for wildfires and storms by staying informed about local risks, following official warnings, packing emergency supply kits, and visiting recommended websites for safety information.