Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather expected across Texas this week. The move comes as forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate multiple rounds of storms could impact the northern half of the state starting today and continuing through the end of the week, with risks expanding further south.

“The State of Texas is ready to swiftly respond to severe weather expected across the state this week," said Governor Abbott. "State and local emergency response personnel are on standby to support Texas communities through the potential heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and tornadoes across Texas and wildfire threats in West Texas. Texans are urged to monitor weather, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

The forecasted hazards include large hail, damaging winds, possible tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding. In addition to these threats, wildfire conditions continue to pose a risk in West Texas. Governor Abbott has also instructed TDEM to mobilize additional wildfire response resources following similar actions taken last month.

The Texas A&M Forest Service is closely monitoring increased wildfire activity in western regions of the state. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about changing weather conditions and take necessary precautions for their safety.

A range of state agencies have been mobilized under the Governor’s direction:

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

- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is deploying game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped with hoists.

- The Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) is supplying medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles as part of Severe Weather Support Packages.

- The Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System) will coordinate firefighting efforts with personnel, equipment such as fire engines and bulldozers, as well as federally contracted aircraft for fire suppression.

- The Texas National Guard will use Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters capable of firefighting operations.

- The Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions throughout affected areas.

- The Texas Department of Public Safety is providing helicopters with hoist capabilities along with Highway Patrol Troopers and Tactical Marine Unit members.

- The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will offer disaster assessment agents for agricultural needs.

- The Public Utility Commission of Texas is monitoring power outages in coordination with utility providers.

- The Railroad Commission of Texas oversees natural gas supply communications within the oil and gas industry.

- The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is conducting air, water, and wastewater monitoring.

Residents are advised to follow official instructions when preparing for emergencies by creating a plan and assembling essential supplies. Information on severe weather safety can be found at https://www.texasready.gov/, road conditions at https://drivetexas.org/, flood safety at https://texasflood.org/, current wildfire updates at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/, and general preparedness resources at https://tdem.texas.gov/prepare.