Gov. Abbott Activates Emergency Teams as Severe Weather Threatens Northwest and Southeast Texas

As Texas braces for a bout of severe weather, Governor Greg Abbott is taking no chances, having already directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate essential emergency response teams and resources. This move comes in anticipation of storms expected to strike across Northwest and Southeast Texas starting last night and stretching into the middle of the week, according to a statement from the Governor's office.

"We stand ready to deploy all necessary resources to protect communities from anticipated flash flooding and heavy rains. Texans are urged to heed the guidance from state and local officials and monitor local forecasts to avoid driving into flooded areas. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” Governor Abbott was quoted by the same press release. The National Weather Service, who has been closely monitoring the system, projects the threat of severe thunderstorms and potential flash flooding, particularly in the Northwest Texas region, including the Panhandle. This weather pattern is expected to then move towards North Texas later in the week, while heavy rains are also forecasted for the Southeast corner of the state this evening.

Forearmed with directives from Governor Abbott, the state has made available a plethora of emergency response resources designed to support and bolster local efforts. These include swiftwater rescue boat squads from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) and the Texas Department of Transportation, whose personnel are tasked with the critical role, of monitoring road conditions. Game Wardens from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, alongside rescue boat teams and helicopters equipped with hoist capability, stand ready to respond to flood rescues. The Texas Department of Public Safety is also providing helicopters with hoist capabilities, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and its Tactical Marine Unit to further strengthen the response team.

The preparedness thrust doesn't just stop at water and air support; the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is preparing its Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents, along with County Extension Agents, to offer crucial help for agricultural and livestock needs during and after the storm. Meanwhile, the Texas Department of State Health Services' Texas Emergency Medical Task Force is putting together Severe Weather Support Packages to aid with medical emergencies, including providing medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles. Furthermore, the Public Utility Commission of Texas has its eye on power outage monitoring and is working in coordination with utility providers to maintain electricity supply. Monitoring activities expand to the Railroad Commission of Texas as well, which is keeping an eye on the state’s natural gas supply and keeping communication channels with the oil and gas industry open. Finally, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is tasked with monitoring air, water, and wastewater conditions amidst the storm, as detailed by the Governor's office.

Helpful resources and safety tips for severe weather are accessible at TexasReady.gov; road conditions can be checked at DriveTexas.org, and flood information is available at TexasFlood.org. For tips on all-hazards preparedness, residents can visit tdem.texas.gov/prepare.