Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources as severe weather is forecasted to impact large parts of Texas starting tomorrow.

"Texas stands ready to deploy all emergency resources needed to help local communities across the state prepare and respond to severe weather," said Governor Abbott. "The safety of all Texans is our No. 1 priority. State and local officials continue to monitor the increased storm weather expected to affect communities across West, North, Central, Southwest, and East Texas. Texans are urged to check local weather reports and road conditions and have an emergency plan for themselves and their families. Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown."

The National Weather Service predicts a storm system will enter Texas tomorrow with heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding. Additional risks include damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. The affected regions cover West, North, Central, Southwest, and East Texas. The threat may continue through the end of the week.

In response, several state agencies have been mobilized:

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

- The Texas National Guard will deploy Blackhawk helicopters equipped with hoists for flood operations.

- The Texas Division of Emergency Management will coordinate with its Incident Management Team statewide.

- The Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force) is sending support packages with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.

- Game Wardens from the Parks and Wildlife Department will assist with rescue boats and helicopters.

- The Department of Public Safety is deploying helicopters with hoist capability along with Highway Patrol Troopers and Tactical Marine Unit personnel.

- Transportation department staff are monitoring road conditions.

- Disaster Assessment Agents from AgriLife Extension Service are supporting agricultural needs.

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

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

- Environmental Quality officials are conducting air, water, and wastewater monitoring.

Residents are advised to make an emergency plan, assemble essential supplies in a kit, and follow guidance from local authorities.

For storm safety tips visit TexasReady.gov; real-time road updates can be found at DriveTexas.org; flood information is available at TexasFlood.org; additional preparedness resources can be accessed at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.