Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe storms expected to affect Texas starting tonight.
“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to severe storms anticipated this weekend,” said Governor Abbott. “I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate all necessary resources to assist Texas communities ahead of potential severe weather. Texans are urged to surveil road conditions before traveling, remain weather-aware, and have a plan in place in case of emergency.”
The National Weather Service forecasts that a storm system will bring possible severe weather impacts from the Big Bend region to the Red River Valley beginning later today. The threat area is expected to expand eastward through most of the eastern two-thirds of Texas as the weekend continues. Possible hazards include strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Residents are advised to monitor updates and follow guidance from local officials.
In response, several state agencies have mobilized resources:
– The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) has deployed swiftwater rescue boat squads for flood rescues.
– The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) has provided medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles as part of Severe Weather Support Packages.
– The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has made game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability available for flood rescues.
– The Texas Department of Public Safety is providing helicopters with hoist capability along with Highway Patrol Troopers and its Tactical Marine Unit.
– The Texas Department of Transportation is monitoring road conditions.
– The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is deploying Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as County Extension Agents for agricultural support.
– The Public Utility Commission of Texas is overseeing power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers.
– The Railroad Commission of Texas is monitoring natural gas supplies and communicating with oil and gas industry representatives.
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is handling air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
Emergency management officials are also watching for increased wildfire danger across South, West, and Northwest Texas into next week. Texans are encouraged to prepare by making plans, packing emergency supply kits, and staying informed about local conditions.
For more information on storm safety tips visit TexasReady.gov, check real-time road conditions at DriveTexas.org, obtain flood safety information at TexasFlood.org, or find preparedness resources at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
Governor Abbott has led the Office since his election in 2014 (official website). Under his leadership, the office has focused on job creation, economic opportunity, education enhancement, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schooling decisions, and southern border security (official website). In addition to statewide service delivery from its main offices in Austin (official website), Governor Abbott’s administration has contributed to record employment levels in Texas (official website) and earned national recognition including being named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 (official website).
Texans are reminded to stay alert during this period of potentially hazardous weather.
