Governor Abbott Mobilizes Emergency Resources as Severe Weather Threatens Texas
Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in preparation for anticipated severe weather set to sweep across Texas this week.
“Texans across the state should remain weather-aware as this severe weather moves across Texas,” Governor Abbott advised. “The State of Texas stands ready to support local officials and emergency response personnel on the ground to keep Texans and our communities safe. I thank all of our emergency response personnel who are working day and night to protect their fellow Texans this Thanksgiving holiday week.”
The National Weather Service reports that a storm system advancing through the state is expected to bring severe thunderstorms to East Texas today. Primary concerns include the potential for strong winds, large hail, and tornadoes.
TDEM has activated the following state resources to support severe weather response operations:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Urban Search and Rescue Teams
Additionally, TDEM has placed the following resources on standby to support severe weather response operations as needed:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas Task Force 2): Urban Search and Rescue Teams
- Texas A&M Forest Service: Incident Management Teams and saw crews
- Texas Department of State Health Services (Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe weather packages
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens and boat squads
- Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel and equipment to assist with traffic control and road closures
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordinating with utility providers in the threat area
Texans are urged to take severe weather safety preparedness precautions, including making an emergency plan, heeding warnings of local officials, and monitoring local weather forecasts. Texans can visit TexasReady.gov for severe weather safety information.
