AUSTIN - Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to prepare state emergency response resources ahead of severe weather moving across the state that is expected to impact Texas communities beginning this afternoon through Friday evening.
“The State of Texas stands ready to provide all available emergency response resources for Texas communities that could be impacted by severe weather this week,” said Governor Abbott. "Texans are encouraged to make an emergency plan, remain weather-aware, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Our emergency management personnel and first responders are fully prepared to swiftly respond to help Texans in need over the course of this storm.”
Severe weather is expected to impact large portions of the state, including areas of North, Central, and South Texas and is expected to move into East Texas on Friday. Threats include large hail, damaging winds, possible tornadoes, and the potential for heavy rain resulting in flash flooding. Additionally, elevated fire weather is forecast in West and Northwest Texas Friday afternoon through the weekend.
At the Governor's direction, TDEM has the following state resources on standby to support severe weather response operations if conditions warrant:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Urban search and rescue teams, swiftwater boat squads
- Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw crews, Incident Management Teams
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capability, Texas Highway Patrol Tactical Marine Unit
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens and boat teams
- Texas Department of Transportation: High profile vehicles
- Texas Department of State Health Services: Texas Emergency Medical Task Force Severe Weather Packages
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordinating with utility providers
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
Additionally, TDEM has alerted all members of the Texas Emergency Management Council to be prepared to support response and recovery operations across the state.
For severe weather safety information, visit texasready.gov.
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