Governor Abbott Adds Counties To Texas Disaster Declaration For Winter Storm

Governor Abbott Adds Counties To Texas Disaster Declaration For Winter Storm

Governor Greg Abbott today amended the state’s disaster declaration for the ongoing winter storm to include 85 additional counties facing impacts from winter weather.

"Communities across the state have been impacted by this weekend's winter weather," said Governor Abbott. "I am updating my disaster declaration to include additional counties to help more Texans during these freezing temperatures. Texans should continue to monitor local weather forecasts and road conditions to keep themselves and their families safe. I thank Texas emergency management officials as they work around the clock to help Texans across the state recover from this winter storm.”

With the addition of these counties as the effects of winter weather continue across the state, the total number of counties included in the state’s disaster declaration is now 219.

The State of Texas has more than 10,900 state responders, more than 4,900 vehicles and pieces of equipment, and more than 15 state agencies responding to this winter weather threat across Texas. The Texas State Emergency Operations Center remains in 24-hour operations to support local officials with requests for state assistance.

At the Governor’s direction, the following state agency resources remain engaged in support of local winter weather response operations:

• Texas Department of Transportation: Winter weather roadway equipment and crews treating roadways; personnel and equipment to assist with traffic control and road closures
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team and All-Hazards Winter Weather Group responders to support deployed emergency response resources across the state; personnel working with local partners to update warming center maps
• Texas National Guard: Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters, high-profile vehicles and personnel to support stranded motorists and assist with delivery of supplies
• Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): All-Hazard Strike Teams consisting of firefighters, engines, and equipment such as motor graders to assist with snow/ice clearance; saw crews
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens to support local law enforcement; high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordinating with utility providers across 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 to patrol Texas roadways and respond to traffic incidents
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Public Works Response Team): Personnel to assist with public works needs
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Emergency Medical Task Force): Winter and Severe Weather Packages including medics and ambulances
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Personnel to provide information on available services through the 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network
• Texas Education Agency: Monitoring school district needs across the state
• Texas Department of Information Resources: Monitoring technology infrastructure
• Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission: Assistance with law enforcement coordination and support

Additionally, Governor Abbott urged Texans to avoid going outside in freezing temperatures and icy conditions, and utilize one of the more than 375 warming centers opened and operated by local officials across the state to help stay warm.

Texans are encouraged to visit the TDEM Disaster Portal at disaster.texas.gov for winter weather information. Texans can also locate winter weather safety tips by visiting TexasReady.gov, find local warming centers at tdem.texas.gov/warm, and check road conditions at DriveTexas.org. Information on reporting localized power outages or contacting utility providers can be found at puc.texas.gov/storm.

Governor Abbott continues to take action to provide all available resources to support communities affected by winter weather, including:

• Issuing a disaster declaration and providing an update on the state’s ongoing response to winter weather
• Activating state emergency response resources ahead of the winter weather threat