TEXAS — Texas is expected to get hit with severe weather early this week, prompting state leaders to take preventative action.
The state could see flash flooding across multiple regions over the next several days, according to the governor’s office. The main threats are expected early to mid-week and Texans are encouraged to monitor their local weather forecast and stay alert.
To prepare, Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate the state’s emergency response protocol on Sunday.
The following departments were alerted:
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, 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
“The State of Texas will deploy all necessary resources to help local officials respond to potential severe weather and flash flooding across the state,” Abbott said in a news release Sunday. “I urge all Texans to monitor local forecasts, heed guidance from state and local officials, and always remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Texas will support our communities as these threats develop.”
The governor’s office encourages Texans to have a family communication plan, assemble an emergency supply kit and follow instructions from local officials. Follow “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” guidance and avoid walking or driving through flooded roads.