Texas Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the state's emergency management division to step up its readiness as Texas braces for a blast of winter weather. As reported by the Governor's official website, the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) is now operating at Level II (Escalated Response), with the most significant effects of the weather poised to strike from today into the weekend.
“With below-freezing temperatures beginning to impact large portions of the state, Texas is increasing the readiness level of the State Operations Center to ensure resources are swiftly deployed to communities,” Abbott urged Texans to remain vigilant and prepare as resources are lined up for rapid deployment. In a statement obtained by the Governor's official website, he stated, “As the State of Texas mobilizes the emergency response resources Texans need to stay safe and warm, I urge everyone to remain weather-aware, regularly monitor road conditions before traveling, and heed guidance from state and local officials. I thank all the first responders and emergency management personnel for their efforts to help Texas communities brace for winter weather.”
The National Weather Service predicts the state will endure extended freezing and below-freezing temperatures this week, with snow, sleet, ice, and freezing rain likely to affect northern, western, and central Texas. Following the Governor's directives, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has rallied members of the Texas Emergency Management Council to report to the SOC and be on standby with their resources, as needed, detailing collaboration among various state departments ranging from transportation to health services.
According to the Governor's announcement, these preparations include winter weather equipment and crews prepping roadways, management teams partnering with locals on warming center maps, saw crews for snow/ice clearance, and coordination efforts across countless other services designed to guard against the upcoming freeze. Power outage monitoring and school district support are also priorities as the state hunkers down.
On Monday, Abbott directed TDEM to activate state emergency resources in anticipation of severe winter weather. Texans are advised to follow emergency officials' instructions and take precautions like crafting a plan or creating an emergency supply kit. For further guidance, residents can visit TexasReady.gov for winter safety tips, locate warming centers at tdem.texas.gov/warm, or check road conditions at DriveTexas.org.
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