Governor Activates State Resources Ahead of Potential Severe Weather

AUSTIN, TX — Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources ahead of potential severe weather expected to affect large areas of the state beginning tomorrow.

"Texas stands ready to deploy all emergency resources needed to help local communities across the state prepare and respond to severe weather," said Governor Abbott. "The safety of all Texans is our No. 1 priority. State and local officials continue to monitor the increased storm weather expected to affect communities across West, North, Central, Southwest, and East Texas. Texans are urged to check local weather reports and road conditions and have an emergency plan for themselves and their families. Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown."

According to the National Weather Service, a storm system will move into the state tomorrow that will be capable of bringing heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding. Secondary risks may include damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Impacts are anticipated across significant portions of the state, including West, North, Central, Southwest, and East Texas. The threat is expected to last through the end of the week before leaving the state. Texans are encouraged to monitor local forecast information.

At the Governor’s direction, the following state emergency response resources are available to support local storm response operations:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads to assist with flood rescues
• Texas National Guard: Blackhawk helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood response operations
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capability, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents, as well as County Extension Agents, to support agricultural and livestock needs
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
• Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring

Texans are urged to prepare by making an emergency plan, building a kit containing essential supplies, and following instructions of local officials.

Texans can locate storm safety tips at TexasReady.gov, check real-time road conditions at DriveTexas.org, and obtain flood safety information at TexasFlood.org. All-hazards preparedness resources are available online at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.