Texas Emergency Managers Prepare for Potential Storms Friday

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to prepare state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe thunderstorms forecasted to affect the eastern half of Texas tomorrow.

"Texas stands prepared to rapidly deploy emergency resources to assist local authorities in ensuring community safety during severe weather events," Governor Abbott stated. "Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to stay vigilant, stay informed about weather conditions, and take necessary safety measures to safeguard themselves and their families. I extend my gratitude to all courageous emergency personnel as they ready themselves to protect fellow Texans during this severe weather."

The National Weather Service reports that severe thunderstorms expected to move across the state tomorrow may pose a slight to enhanced risk of tornadoes. Additional hazards include damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding in the eastern portion of Texas.

Under Governor Abbott's guidance, TDEM has readied the following state emergency response resources on standby to assist in severe weather response operations if required:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Boat Squads & Urban Search and Rescue Teams
• Texas A&M Forest Service: Incident Management Teams and saw crews
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe weather packages
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens and Boat Squads
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel and equipment for aiding in traffic control and road closures
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers in the threatened area

Residents of Texas are strongly advised to prepare for the potential impacts of severe weather by taking safety precautions, including following guidance from local officials, formulating an emergency plan, and staying updated with local weather forecasts. Road conditions can be checked at DriveTexas.org, and flood tracking information is available at TexasFlood.org.