Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather expected to affect parts of Texas from today through the weekend.
“Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to help local officials respond to potential severe weather across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “Texans are urged to remain weather-aware, regularly check road conditions, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones. The State of Texas will continue to closely monitor weather conditions to protect the well-being of communities across our state.”
The National Weather Service forecasts multiple storm systems that could bring strong or severe thunderstorms starting later today in North Texas. As the week progresses, risks are expected to move westward, affecting areas such as the Panhandle, South Plains, Permian Basin, Big Country, and Concho Valley. Toward the end of the week, severe weather may return to North, Northeast, and Central Texas. The hazards include large hail, damaging winds, heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding, and possible tornadoes. Residents are advised to stay updated on local forecasts as conditions change.
In response to these threats, Governor Abbott has made available a range of emergency response assets:
– Swiftwater rescue boat squads and urban search teams from Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Task Force 2.
– Incident management teams and all-hazards group responders from TDEM.
– Personnel and vehicles from the Texas National Guard for motorist assistance; helicopters for flood rescues.
– Road monitoring by Texas Department of Transportation staff.
– Saw crews from Texas A&M Forest Service for roadway clearing; strike teams supporting local services.
– Game wardens and rescue teams from Parks and Wildlife with helicopters equipped for hoisting rescues.
– Highway Patrol Troopers and specialized units from Department of Public Safety.
– Medics with ambulances and all-terrain vehicles provided by Department of State Health Services’ Emergency Medical Task Force.
– Disaster assessment agents from AgriLife Extension Service for agricultural support.
– Power outage monitoring by Public Utility Commission.
– Natural gas supply monitoring by Railroad Commission.
– Environmental quality oversight by Commission on Environmental Quality.
The State Emergency Operations Center remains at Level III (Increased Readiness) due to both severe weather threats and ongoing wildfire operations in some regions.
Texans are encouraged to prepare by assembling emergency kits, making plans ahead of time, and following official instructions. Resources such as flood safety information can be found at TexasReady.gov; road condition updates at DriveTexas.org; additional preparedness tips are available at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Governor Abbott has led statewide initiatives since his election in 2014 according to his official website. His administration focuses on economic growth—Texas is recognized for leading job creation nationally—and also emphasizes education improvements, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schools, border security measures as detailed online, as well as delivering services throughout Texas statewide. Governor Abbott was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 per his office, with primary offices located in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to records.
