The state of Texas is bracing for a bout of severe weather, with Governor Greg Abbott activating the Texas Division of Emergency Management to coordinate a swift response. "Texas is prepared to deploy all necessary resources to help local officials respond to severe weather threats," Governor Abbott emphasized in a recent statement. As residents and visitors gear up for post-Christmas travels, they are advised to remain vigilant to changing road conditions and follow the instructions of emergency personnel, as stated by the Office of the Texas Governor.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service predict the onset of severe thunderstorms across North, Central, East, and Southeast Texas, carrying risks of large hail, damaging winds, and potential tornadoes. These conditions are expected to persist through the weekend, leading to concerns of flash flooding and possible river overflows. Governor Abbott's proactive approach, includes having swiftwater rescue boat squads from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) at the ready to address flood rescues, as reported by the Office of the Texas Governor.
Additional Quick Reaction Forces have been put on standby, including the Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Teams from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2), and Severe Weather Packages from the Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force), as stated on the Office of the Texas Governor official announcement. These preparations suggest the state is taking no chances with the safety and well-being of its populace amid potential natural threats.
Texans are being urged to prepare by staying on top of local forecasts and adhering to advice from emergency officials; crafting an emergency plan, and keeping a readily accessible emergency supply kit. Resources such as TexasReady.gov, DriveTexas.org, TexasFlood.org, and tdem.texas.gov/prepare offer additional severe weather safety tips, road conditions updates, flood information, and disaster preparedness education respectively, as per the Office of the Texas Governor.
