Governor Abbott activates emergency resources ahead of Panhandle winter storm

Governor Greg Abbott has mobilized state emergency resources in anticipation of severe winter weather expected to impact the Texas Panhandle. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has been instructed to prepare for the forecasted hazardous conditions, which include below-freezing temperatures and snow accumulation exceeding four inches. These conditions are likely to cause significant travel disruptions.

In addition, Governor Abbott has requested assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to work with state and local partners in conducting preliminary damage assessments. This initiative targets South Texas communities affected by recent wildfires and North Texas areas impacted by severe storms and tornadoes. The assessments aim to determine if these regions qualify for further federal disaster assistance.

"With below-freezing temperatures and snow expected in the Panhandle this weekend, Texas is prepared to deploy all resources and assistance needed to help local communities respond," stated Governor Abbott. He urged residents to stay informed about weather updates, adhere to guidance from officials, and check DriveTexas.org before traveling.

The National Weather Service predicts that snow will begin in the Panhandle, High Plains, and South Plains areas tonight through Saturday. Concurrently, wildfire threats persist due to high winds and dry conditions across West, Northwest, and South Texas. Severe weather risks over the weekend may affect North and East Texas with damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, and heavy rainfall.

To support local responses to these challenges, TDEM has activated various state emergency response resources:

- The Texas Department of Transportation is deploying winter weather equipment for road treatment.

- The Texas National Guard is providing personnel and vehicles for motorist assistance.

- The Texas Department of Public Safety will have Highway Patrol Troopers on standby.

Additional support remains active for wildfire recovery efforts:

- The Texas A&M Forest Service continues its firefighting operations with various aircraft.

- TDEM's Incident Management Team supports statewide emergency resource deployment.

- The Department of State Health Services offers medical task forces.

- Other agencies are coordinating agricultural needs, animal resources, public safety patrols, power outage monitoring, natural gas supply checks, environmental quality control measures, information services referrals via 2-1-1 networks, technology infrastructure monitoring, and flood rescue operations.

Texans can report damages using TDEM’s Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey at damage.tdem.texas.gov once it is safe. Road condition updates are available at DriveTexas.org; preparedness information can be found at tdem.texas.gov/prepare; additional safety tips are listed at TexasReady.gov.