Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of winter weather expected to impact the state starting Thursday.
“Based on current forecasts, the State of Texas is acting to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “As temperatures could drop below freezing and regions of Texas face snow, ice, and freezing rain, it is crucial that Texans remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance of state and local officials. I thank emergency management personnel and first responders for working tirelessly to keep Texans safe.”
The National Weather Service forecasts an arctic cold front will bring dangerously low temperatures and wind chills through early next week. A storm system is also predicted to move through Texas, bringing freezing rain, sleet, and snow that may create hazardous travel conditions into the weekend and potentially affect infrastructure. Areas at highest risk include northwest, north, and northeast Texas. Freezing rain and sleet are likely in west, central, south-central, east, and southeast parts of the state. Cold rain is expected in deep south Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.
In response to these forecasts, TDEM has activated several agencies:
– The Texas Department of Transportation will use equipment and crews for pre-treating roadways as well as managing traffic control.
– The State Incident Management Team will coordinate with local partners on warming center maps.
– The Texas National Guard will deploy high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists.
– The Texas A&M Forest Service will provide strike teams for snow or ice clearance.
– Game Wardens from Parks and Wildlife will support law enforcement efforts.
– The Public Utility Commission will monitor power outages across affected areas.
– The Railroad Commission will oversee natural gas supply monitoring.
– Environmental Quality officials will monitor air and water systems.
– Highway Patrol Troopers from Public Safety will patrol roads statewide.
– Engineering Extension Service personnel are ready for public works needs.
– AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment Agents are prepared for recovery operations.
– Medical Task Force teams are set with medics and ambulances for emergencies.
– Health Services staff can provide information about available services via 2-1-1.
– Education Agency representatives are monitoring school district needs statewide.
– Information Resources staff are overseeing technology infrastructure.
Texans are advised to stay informed about changing weather conditions by checking road updates at DriveTexas.org before traveling. They should also follow guidance from local authorities.
Additional safety tips can be found at TexasReady.gov. Warming centers operated by local officials can be located at tdem.texas.gov/warm. General preparedness information is available at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Governor Abbott leads the executive office for the state government of Texas with a focus on economic development, education enhancement, border security efforts, community initiatives, job growth support, and fostering innovation according to his official website.
