Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources ahead of a round of severe storms expected to begin impacting parts of Texas tonight and continue through the weekend.
“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to severe storms anticipated this weekend,” Abbott said in a statement. “Texans are urged to monitor road conditions before traveling, remain weather-aware, and have a plan in place in case of an emergency.”
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According to the National Weather Service, a storm system moving across the state will bring the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, flash flooding, large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes. The threat begins later Friday from the Big Bend region to the Red River Valley and is expected to expand east through the weekend, covering most of the eastern two-thirds of Texas.
State officials are urging residents to monitor updated forecasts and follow guidance from local authorities.
At Abbott’s direction, the following resources are on standby to support local response:
- Texas A&M Task Force 1 (Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service): Swiftwater rescue boat squads for potential flood rescues
- Texas Emergency Medical Task Force (DSHS): Severe weather support packages with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capability, Highway Patrol troopers, and the Tactical Marine Unit
- Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions statewide
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery agents and county extension agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utilities
- Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air, water, and wastewater monitoring
Emergency management officials are also monitoring an elevated wildfire risk across parts of South, West, and Northwest Texas into next week.
Texans are encouraged to make an emergency plan, assemble a supply kit, and stay informed about local conditions.
More information and safety resources are available at:
- TexasReady.gov — general storm safety and preparedness
- DriveTexas.org — real-time road conditions
- TexasFlood.org — flood safety information
- tdem.texas.gov/prepare — all-hazards preparedness guidance