Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather and wildfire threats this weekend. The forecast includes damaging wind gusts, potential tornadoes, and heavy rainfall for East Texas, along with critical wildfire risks in West Texas.
"Texas stands ready to support our local communities in East and West Texas as they brace for severe weather this weekend," stated Governor Abbott. He urged Texans to monitor weather conditions, follow local officials' guidance, and prepare emergency plans. "I thank all of our emergency management personnel and first responders across the state who are protecting their fellow Texans this President’s Day weekend."
The National Weather Service predicts increased risks of severe storms in eastern Texas, which could bring damaging winds, possible tornadoes, large hail, and heavy rain that may lead to flash flooding. In West Texas, gusty winds combined with low humidity heighten the wildfire danger. An arctic cold front is also expected to introduce sub-freezing temperatures across most of Texas next week.
In response to these threats, TDEM has activated several resources:
- The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service will deploy Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads for flood rescues.
- The Texas A&M Forest Service will provide firefighting personnel and equipment including aircraft capable of firefighting operations.
- The Texas Department of State Health Services will offer Wildfire Support Packages comprising medics and ambulances.
Additional resources on standby include:
- Severe Weather Packages from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
- Game Wardens and rescue boat teams from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
- Helicopters with hoist capabilities from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
- Disaster Assessment Agents from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.
- Monitoring teams from the Public Utility Commission of Texas for power outages.
- Natural gas supply monitoring by the Railroad Commission of Texas.
- Environmental monitoring by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Texans are advised to heed local instructions, develop an emergency plan, and assemble a supply kit. Further safety tips can be found at various state websites including TexasReady.gov.
