Emergency resources in place for Texas severe weather
VINSON, TX - MAY 10: Center for Severe Weather Research intern Hunter Anderson views cloud activity at the end of a severe thunderstorm, May 10, 2017 in Vinson, Texas. Wednesday was the group's third day in the field for the 2017 tornado season for t
AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has activated state emergency response resources ahead of a severe weather threat at the direction of the governor.
The weather is expected to impact parts of the state starting Wednesday and continuing through the weekend.
Texas severe weather
The National Weather Service (NWS) expects multiple storm systems across large parts of Texas, starting Wednesday afternoon across North Texas, where hail and tornadoes are possible.
As the week progresses, the storm risk shifts to the west to include parts of Northwest Texas such as the Panhandle, South Plains, Permian Basin, Big Country, and Concho Valley.
Dallas weather: Severe storms bring damaging winds, possible large hail and tornado risk
North Texas is bracing for multiple rounds of severe weather through the weekend, with threats of damaging winds, large hail and a low tornado risk as a stalled front moves into the region.
Emergency response resources
Governor Abbott announced the mobilization of resources Wednesday.
What they're saying:
"Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to help local officials respond to potential severe weather across the state," said Abbott. "Texans are urged to remain weather-aware, regularly check road conditions, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones. The State of Texas will continue to closely monitor weather conditions to protect the well-being of communities across our state."
The following state emergency response resources are available:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads and Urban Search & Rescue Teams to assist with flood rescues
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team and All-Hazards Group responders to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
- Texas National Guard: Personnel and high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists; Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters to assist with flood rescues
- Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions statewide
- Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews to assist with clearing of roadways; Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) Strike Teams to support local emergency services
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, helicopters with hoist capability, 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 AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents, as well as 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/wastewater monitoring
Additionally, the Texas State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at Level III (Increased Readiness) to support severe weather and ongoing wildfire operations, amid continued fire weather conditions in some parts of the state.
What you can do:
Texans are encouraged to proactively prepare for severe weather by packing an emergency supply kit, making an emergency plan, and following guidance from local officials.
Texans can find flood and severe weather safety information at TexasReady.gov, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, and access all-hazards preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the governor's office.