Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of severe weather, heavy rainfall, and potential flash flooding expected to impact portions of West Texas this week.
“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to the threat of severe weather and flash flooding across West Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources to support local officials and protect Texans. I urge all Texans to monitor local forecasts, heed guidance from state and local officials, and never drive through flooded roadways. Texas will continue to support our communities as these weather threats develop.”
According to the National Weather Service, an approaching weather system caused by the remnants of Hurricane Simon is expected to bring rounds of thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and excessive rainfall leading to flash flooding. These threats are anticipated across portions of the Texas Panhandle beginning today and continuing into midweek, before expanding further south and east to include areas such as the South Plains, Permian Basin, Big Country, Texoma, Big Bend, and Texas Border regions. Texans are encouraged to closely monitor local forecasts as weather conditions develop.
At the direction of Governor Abbott, the following state emergency response resources are available to support local severe weather and flood operations:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads, Urban Search & Rescue Teams, and high profile vehicles to assist with flood rescues
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team and regional personnel to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
- 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 consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
- Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): All Hazards Strike Teams to support incident response and supplement local emergency services
- 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
Texans are encouraged to remain weather-aware, follow instructions from local officials, review family emergency plans, and prepare an emergency supply kit. Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwater. Remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown.
Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, find severe weather safety tips at TexasReady.gov, access flood information at TexasFlood.org, and visit tdem.texas.gov/prepare for all-hazards preparedness information.