Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate additional state emergency response resources ahead of anticipated severe weather and flash flooding. These measures aim to address the potential threats expected throughout the week across Texas.

Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of preparedness: "Texans should prepare for severe weather across North, Central, East, and West Texas throughout the week," he said. He urged residents to "regularly monitor weather conditions, heed the guidance of state and local officials, and have an emergency plan to keep themselves and their loved ones safe."

The National Weather Service has forecasted severe thunderstorms. Large hail, damaging winds, potential tornadoes, and heavy rainfall could result in flash flooding across affected areas. The weather system is expected to move from West Texas to North, Central, and East Texas.

In response, the state has made the following resources available:

- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service's swiftwater rescue boat squads and urban search and rescue teams.

- Texas Division of Emergency Management's incident management team to support ongoing operations.

- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters for flood rescues.

- Texas Department of Public Safety's helicopter units and troopers.

- Texas Department of Transportation's personnel for road condition monitoring.

- Texas A&M Forest Service's saw crews for road clearing.

- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service's disaster recovery agents to support agriculture and livestock.

- Public Utility Commission of Texas for power outage coordination.

- Railroad Commission of Texas for natural gas supply monitoring.

- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for air, water, and wastewater monitoring.

- Texas Department of State Health Services' severe weather support packages, including medical resources.

Texans are advised to adhere to local officials' instructions, develop an emergency plan, and prepare a supply kit. Residents can visit websites like DriveTexas.org and TexasReady.gov for road conditions, safety information, and general preparedness tips.