How Texas is preparing for possible severe weather across the state

AUSTIN, Texas — With severe weather expected to sweep across parts of Texas this week, Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources in preparation for severe storms and flooding.

“Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to support Texans as severe storms move across our state that will bring potential flash flooding and heavy rain,” Gov. Abbott said in a release. “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.”

According to the National Weather Service, large portions of the state face an elevated risk of severe weather through Wednesday, with flash flooding and heavy rainfall expected to persist into late this week. Forecasts include threats of large hail, damaging winds, possible tornadoes, and excessive rain.

Here in the Houston area, we have rain and storms in the forecast Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You can also check the forecast in Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Waco-Temple, Tyler, Beaumont, Corpus Christi, Midland-Odessa, and Abilene-San Angelo. 

In response, state agencies have mobilized a range of emergency resources, including:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service: Swiftwater rescue boat squads and urban search and rescue teams from Texas Task Force 1, Task Force 2, and Task Force 3.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped with hoists for flood rescues.
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Highway Patrol troopers, helicopters with hoist capabilities, and the Tactical Marine Unit.
• Texas Department of Transportation: Teams monitoring and responding to road conditions.
• Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw crews to clear debris from roadways.
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Agents assisting with disaster recovery and support for agricultural and livestock concerns.
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Monitoring power outages and coordinating with utility companies.
• Railroad Commission of Texas: Overseeing the state’s natural gas supply and maintaining communication with the oil and gas industry.
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Monitoring air, water, and wastewater conditions.
• Texas Department of State Health Services: Emergency medical task force units equipped with medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles.

Make sure to keep up with the forecast by downloading the KHOU 11 news app. We’ll notify you when severe weather threatens.