Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott has activated state emergency response resources in anticipation of winter weather impacts expected in the Texas Panhandle. The Governor instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize resources ahead of hazardous conditions and to request collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for damage assessments in areas affected by recent wildfires and severe storms.

"With below-freezing temperatures and snow expected in the Panhandle this weekend, Texas is prepared to deploy all resources and assistance needed to help local communities respond,” said Governor Abbott. “Texans in the Panhandle are urged to remain weather-aware, follow the guidance of state and local officials, and check DriveTexas.org before they travel. As communities across Texas recover from recent wildfires and severe storms, I also requested that the U.S. Small Business Administration help support the state's efforts to assess damage in impacted regions of Texas. This assistance will be a crucial first step for communities in South and North Texas to rebuild and recover."

The National Weather Service forecasts snowfall beginning Friday night through Saturday, with accumulation possibly exceeding four inches. These conditions may cause significant travel disruptions.

Meanwhile, wildfire threats persist due to high winds and dry conditions across West, Northwest, and South Texas into next week. Severe weather risks increase over North and East Texas during the weekend, with potential hazards including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, and heavy rainfall.

Under Governor Abbott's directive, TDEM has deployed various state emergency response resources:

- The Texas Department of Transportation is pre-treating roadways with winter weather equipment.

- The Texas National Guard is on standby with personnel and vehicles for motorist assistance.

- The Texas Department of Public Safety is patrolling roads to aid stranded motorists.

In addition to these winter preparations, several agencies remain engaged in wildfire recovery:

- The Texas A&M Forest Service is providing firefighting support.

- TDEM's Incident Management Team continues coordinating statewide emergency responses.

- The Texas Department of State Health Services has medical teams ready for deployment.

- Other agencies involved include the Public Utility Commission monitoring power outages, as well as various departments handling agricultural needs and infrastructure monitoring.

Texans are encouraged to report damages via TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey at damage.tdem.texas.gov when safe. Additional safety information can be accessed at DriveTexas.org or through tdem.texas.gov/prepare.