TEXAS, USA — With severe weather expected across Texas on Friday night, Governor Greg Abbott has activated state emergency response resources to prepare for the storms.
Severe storms that may produce damaging winds, tornadoes, hail, and potential flash flooding are forecasted throughout the Texas Panhandle through the morning of Nov. 4, and through the Eastern half of Texas through that night.
"The State of Texas is proactively responding to severe storms and potential flash flooding expected to impact Texas today and tomorrow," said Governor Abbott. "State and local emergency response partners are monitoring weather conditions and are on standby to swiftly provide all necessary resources to protect our communities. Texans are urged to remain weather-aware and follow instructions from emergency responders and local officials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe."
At Abbott's direction, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has activated the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, which includes Texas A&M Task Force One and Two, along with Boat Squads and Urban Search and Rescue Packages.
TDEM has the following state resources on standby to respond as needed:
- Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews and Incident Management Teams
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Boat Teams to support water rescue operations
- Texas National Guard: Transportation platoons and helicopters with hoist capability
- Texas Department of State Health Services: Texas Emergency Medical Task Force Severe Weather Packages
- Texas Department of Public Safety (Texas Highway Patrol): Helicopters with hoist capability
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring/coordination with utility providers in the threat area.
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Personnel to monitor drinking water, wastewater and air quality
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents
- State Mass Care Coordination
Texans are urged to follow flood preparedness and safety tips during severe weather. Safety tips can be found at ready.gov.