TDEM Readies State Emergency Response Resources Ahead of Winter Weather and Flash Flooding Threats

TDEM Readies State Emergency Response Resources Ahead of Winter Weather and Flash Flooding Threats

AUSTIN - At the direction of Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has prepared state emergency response resources ahead of impacts from winter weather as well as heavy rainfall and flash flooding threats through the end of the week.

According to the National Weather Service, heavy snow is possible in the Panhandle region through tomorrow, causing potentially hazardous conditions for road travel, especially on bridges and overpasses. Additionally, much of the state faces a marginal risk of excessive rainfall and flash flooding through Friday.

"As inclement weather works its way across Texas this week, TDEM and our state partners are taking necessary steps to prepare," said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. "Texans are urged to take safety precautions ahead of weather impacts to ensure protection of life and property. These steps include making an emergency plan, following instructions from local officials, and monitoring local weather forecasts."

At the direction of the Governor, TDEM has placed the following state emergency response resources on standby to support weather response operations if needed:

• Texas Department of Transportation: Winter weather roadway equipment and crews pre-treating and treating roadways; Personnel and equipment to assist with traffic control and road closures
• Texas A&M Forest Service: Motor graders and personnel to assist with snow/ice clearance
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: Personnel working with local partners to update warming center maps
• Texas National Guard: Four-wheel drive vehicles and personnel responding to support stranded motorists
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens; boat squads for flood rescues
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordinating with utility providers in the threat area
• 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
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Swiftwater Boat Squads for flood rescues
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Emergency Medical Task Force): Winter weather packages

Texans can access weather safety tips by visiting TexasReady.gov, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, locate warming centers at tdem.texas.gov/warm and obtain flood tracking information at TexasFlood.org.