Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of severe weather, heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding expected to affect portions of West Texas this week, according to an Oct. 13 news release from the governor’s office.
“The State of Texas is prepared to respond to the threat of severe weather and flash flooding across West Texas,” Abbott said. “I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources to support local officials and protect Texans. I urge all Texans to monitor local forecasts, heed guidance from state and local officials, and never drive through flooded roadways. Texas will continue to support our communities as these weather threats develop.”
The release cited the National Weather Service in describing the threat. According to the weather service, an approaching system caused by the remnants of Hurricane Simon is expected to bring rounds of thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, damaging winds and excessive rainfall that could lead to flash flooding. The threats are anticipated across portions of the Texas Panhandle beginning Tuesday and continuing into midweek, before expanding south and east to areas including the South Plains, Permian Basin, Big Country, Texoma, Big Bend and Texas border regions, the release said.
The governor’s office listed the resources available to support local operations. They include swiftwater rescue boat squads and urban search-and-rescue teams from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, the State of Texas Incident Management Team and regional personnel from TDEM, and game wardens, rescue boat teams and hoist-capable helicopters from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The Texas Department of Public Safety is providing Texas Highway Patrol troopers, helicopters and the Tactical Marine Unit, while the Texas Department of State Health Services is making available severe weather support packages of medics, ambulances and all-terrain vehicles.
Other support includes Texas A&M Forest Service strike teams, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agents to assist agricultural and livestock needs, and Texas Department of Transportation personnel monitoring roadway conditions. The Public Utility Commission of Texas will monitor power outages and coordinate with utilities, the Railroad Commission of Texas will monitor natural gas supply, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will monitor air, water and wastewater, the release said.
The governor’s office encouraged Texans to remain weather-aware, follow instructions from local officials, review family emergency plans and prepare an emergency supply kit. It reminded residents never to drive or walk through floodwater and offered road conditions at DriveTexas.org, safety tips at TexasReady.gov, flood information at TexasFlood.org and preparedness information at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.