Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize state emergency response resources ahead of a storm system expected to move across the state beginning Monday afternoon. The Governor also directed TDEM to increase the readiness level of the State Emergency Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response) in anticipation of severe weather impacts.
"Texas is ready to respond with all available resources needed to assist local communities as severe weather, including severe thunderstorms and large hail, begins to impact the state tomorrow," said Governor Abbott.
"To ensure that support and resources are swiftly deployed, I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to increase the readiness level of the State Emergency Operations Center. As Texans and out-of-state visitors begin to prepare for tomorrow’s historic solar eclipse, I urge them to heed the guidance of state and local officials, remain weather-aware, and monitor road conditions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe."
According to the National Weather Service, severe thunderstorms are expected to impact the state beginning Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning. This storm system includes threats of large hail, heavy rainfall, damaging wind, and possible tornadoes.
At the Governor’s direction, TDEM has mobilized various resources across the state to support local emergency response operations, including firefighters, fire engines, heavy equipment, strike teams, firefighting aircraft, emergency response personnel, communication coordination groups, helicopters, paramedics, ambulances, personnel for road closures, law enforcement support, disaster assessment and recovery agents, livestock support, air/water/wastewater monitoring, utility coordination personnel, and more.
Texans and solar eclipse visitors are urged to monitor local forecast information and make an emergency plan, as the timing of severe weather on Monday coincides with post-eclipse travel. Additionally, people across the state are encouraged to follow instructions of local officials and keep an emergency supply kit nearby. DriveTexas.org can be visited to check road conditions, severe storm safety tips can be found at TexasReady.gov, and eclipse information is available at tdem.texas.gov/eclipse.
