Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe storms expected to affect West Texas over the coming weekend.

"Texas stands ready to deploy all resources and support needed to help communities across the state respond to severe storms anticipated this weekend," said Governor Abbott. "With the potential for tornadoes, heavy rain, and flash flooding, people in West Texas are urged to monitor road conditions before traveling, heed the guidance of local and emergency officials, and check local weather forecasts to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

The National Weather Service is forecasting thunderstorms for the western half of Texas, including areas such as the Panhandle, South Plains, Far West Texas, Big Bend, Permian Basin, Concho Valley, and Big Country regions. The storms are predicted to start later tonight and may last into early next week. Risks include damaging winds, large hail, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. In addition to storm threats in these regions, authorities continue monitoring dry conditions elsewhere in the state that could increase wildfire danger.

Under Governor Abbott’s direction, several agencies have been mobilized with specific roles:

- The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1) will provide swiftwater rescue boat squads.

- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is preparing game wardens with rescue boats and helicopters equipped with hoist capabilities.

- The Texas Department of State Health Services will offer Severe Weather Support Packages with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.

- The Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions.

- The Texas Department of Public Safety will deploy helicopters with hoist capabilities along with Highway Patrol Troopers and its Tactical Marine Unit.

- The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is providing disaster assessment agents to assist agricultural needs.

- The Public Utility Commission of Texas will coordinate power outage monitoring with utility providers.

- The Railroad Commission of Texas is overseeing natural gas supply monitoring in coordination with oil and gas companies.

- The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will be responsible for air/water/wastewater monitoring.

Residents are advised to prepare by following instructions from local officials. Recommendations include making an emergency plan and assembling a kit containing essential supplies.

For more information about severe weather safety tips visit https://www.texasready.gov/, current road conditions can be checked at https://drivetexas.org/, flood safety information is available at https://texasflood.org/, and additional preparedness resources can be found at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.