Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the state’s disaster declaration to include 85 more counties as a winter storm continues to affect Texas. The amendment brings the total number of counties under the declaration to 219.
“Communities across the state have been impacted by this weekend’s winter weather,” said Governor Abbott. “I am updating my disaster declaration to include additional counties to help more Texans during these freezing temperatures. Texans should continue to monitor local weather forecasts and road conditions to keep themselves and their families safe. I thank Texas emergency management officials as they work around the clock to help Texans across the state recover from this winter storm.”
State agencies are actively responding, with over 10,900 responders, nearly 5,000 vehicles and equipment pieces, and more than 15 agencies involved in relief efforts. The Texas State Emergency Operations Center is operating around the clock to support local officials.
Resources being deployed include winter roadway equipment from the Texas Department of Transportation, helicopters and high-profile vehicles from the Texas National Guard for stranded motorists and supply delivery, firefighting teams from Texas A&M Forest Service for snow clearance, game wardens from Parks and Wildlife for law enforcement support, power outage monitoring by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, natural gas monitoring by the Railroad Commission of Texas, environmental monitoring by the Commission on Environmental Quality, troopers from Department of Public Safety patrolling roads, public works assistance from A&M Engineering Extension Service, agricultural recovery agents from AgriLife Extension Service, medical response packages through Department of State Health Services’ Emergency Medical Task Force, service information provided by Health and Human Services Commission via its referral network, school needs monitored by Education Agency staff, technology infrastructure oversight by Information Resources department staffers, and law enforcement coordination with Alcoholic Beverage Commission involvement.
Governor Abbott advised residents to avoid travel during icy conditions and make use of one of over 375 warming centers set up statewide. Information about these centers can be found at tdem.texas.gov/warm. For updates on winter weather safety tips or road conditions, residents are encouraged to visit disaster.texas.gov or DriveTexas.org. Those needing information on reporting power outages can refer to puc.texas.gov/storm.
The governor’s office continues issuing updates on state responses as well as activating resources ahead of ongoing threats related to severe winter weather.
