TDEM Activates State Emergency Response Resources Ahead of Severe Weather Impacts

TDEM Activates State Emergency Response Resources Ahead of Severe Weather Impacts

AUSTIN - The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) today activated state emergency response resources ahead of an anticipated severe storm system expected to move across Texas over the next few days.

According to the National Weather Service, an increased risk of severe thunderstorms is expected for North, Central, East, and Southeast Texas into the weekend. Threats include large hail, damaging winds, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, and possible tornadoes.

“State resources are prepared to support our local partners as this weather system sweeps across Texas,” said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. “I encourage Texans to remain weather aware this week, follow instructions from local officials, and ensure everyone has a family emergency plan in place.”

TDEM has activated the following state emergency response resources to support severe weather response operations:

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Urban Search & Rescue Teams and Swiftwater Boat Squads

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Additionally, TDEM has placed the following resources on standby to support severe weather operations as warranted:

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens and boat squads

Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel and equipment to assist with traffic control and road closures

Texas A&M Forest Service: Incident Management Teams and saw crews

Texas Department of State Health Services (Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe weather packages

Texas Department of Public Safety: Tactical Marine Unit and helicopters with hoist capabilities

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring

Texans are encouraged to prepare for severe weather impacts by taking safety precautions including monitoring local weather reports, gathering supplies for an emergency go-kit, and heeding warnings of local officials. Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org and access flood tracking information at TexasFlood.org.

Visit TexasReady.gov for severe storm safety tips.