Governor Greg Abbott announced on Mar. 31 that he has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather expected to affect several regions across Texas this week.
The announcement comes as multiple rounds of thunderstorms, with potential for flash flooding and heavy rain, are forecasted to impact North, West, and Central Texas before moving eastward. The state is preparing for hazards including large hail, damaging winds, possible tornadoes, and significant rainfall that could lead to dangerous conditions.
“The State of Texas is taking action to prepare for severe storms expected to affect Texans in North, West, and Central Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to support Texans as severe storms move across our state that may bring potential flash flooding and heavy rain. I urge Texans to stay up to date by monitoring local forecast information, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
Emergency teams from agencies such as the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (including Task Force 1 and Task Force 2), the Department of Transportation, Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens with rescue boats and helicopters, Department of Public Safety troopers with tactical units, medical task forces from State Health Services, AgriLife Extension disaster agents for agricultural needs, utility monitors from the Public Utility Commission of Texas as well as environmental quality inspectors are being mobilized throughout affected areas.
Additionally, wildfire response teams remain deployed statewide due to ongoing increased wildfire risks according to Governor Abbott’s office. Residents are encouraged by officials to prepare emergency supply kits and review family plans while staying informed through trusted sources such as TexasReady.gov or DriveTexas.org.
According to the official website, Governor Abbott has led his office since his election in 2014 while maintaining primary offices at the State Insurance Building in Austin. The office exercises authority statewide across Texas focusing on job creation initiatives—including efforts that have contributed toward leading national jobs growth—and other priorities like economic opportunity expansion and border security measures according to the official website. In recognition of these efforts Governor Abbott was listed among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to the official website.
