Texas emergency response resources are now on stand-by after activation by Governor Greg Abbott Sunday afternoon, with the state expected to see severe weather over the next few days.
Governor Abbott’s office said “slow-moving storms may present flash flooding risks across large portions of North, West, Central, South, and East Texas beginning tonight, with the main threats expected early-to-mid week.
“According to the National Weather Service, a moisture-rich weather pattern are expected to bring multiple rounds of heavy rainfall to large portions of Texas through the end of the week.”
The governor on Sunday directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to place emergency response resources on standby ahead of these severe storms.”
In a statement, Governor Abbott said, “At the direction of Governor Abbott, the following state emergency response resources are available to support local severe weather response operations:
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads, Urban Search and Rescue Teams, and rescue swimmers to assist with flood rescues
Texas Division of Emergency Management: All Hazards Group responders and regional personnel to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
Texas National Guard: Personnel and high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists; Blackhawk helicopters to assist with flood rescues
Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring roadway and transportation conditions
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with water rescues
Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, helicopters with hoist capability, and the Tactical Marine Unit
Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
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 utility providers
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
He added that “Texans should proactively prepare by reviewing family communication plans, assembling an emergency supply kit, and following instructions issued by local officials.”
“Texans are urged never to drive or walk through flooded roadways, as floodwaters may be deeper and move more rapidly than they appear. Always remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Visit DriveTexas.org for real-time road conditions, find comprehensive severe weather preparedness information at TexasReady.gov, locate flood information at TexasFlood.org, and access all-hazards preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.”