AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of a severe weather threat expected to impact large portions of the state beginning Thursday night and continuing through the weekend.
“Texas stands ready to deploy all emergency resources needed to help local officials respond to potential severe weather across the state,” Governor Abbott said. “Texans are encouraged to regularly monitor road conditions, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials.”
According to the National Weather Service, the incoming storm system may bring large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rain, and flash flooding. The threat begins in West Texas, the Panhandle, South Plains, and North Texas, then shifts toward the Concho Valley, Permian Basin, Big Country, Hill Country, Piney Woods, Brazos Valley, Golden Triangle, Deep East Texas, and much of South, Central, and Southeast Texas.
In response, the following state resources have been activated:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service: Search and rescue teams, including swiftwater boat squads and Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue units.
- Texas Department of State Health Services: Emergency medical task forces with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.
- Texas National Guard: High-profile vehicles and helicopters with hoist capabilities.
- TDEM: Statewide incident management teams to support local operations.
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens with rescue boats and air support.
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Highway patrol troopers and helicopters with rescue equipment.
- Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road and travel conditions.
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Agents supporting agricultural and livestock recovery.
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Monitoring and coordination with utility companies.
- Railroad Commission of Texas: Oversight of natural gas supply and oil/gas industry communication.
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Environmental monitoring.
Texans are urged to visit TexasReady.gov for safety tips, DriveTexas.org for road conditions, and TexasFlood.org for flood safety resources.
