Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management in preparation of a state emergency response ahead of the winter storm system and severe weather threats that moved across Texas from Tuesday into today.
“The State of Texas was fully prepared for incoming inclement winter weather and severe storms expected to impact our state through the past few days,” said Governor Abbott. “As we have closely monitored the weather, state and local emergency response personnel have stood ready to protect our communities over the course of these storms. Texans are urged to remain weather-aware and heed the guidance of their local emergency response personnel to keep themselves, their loved ones, and their property safe.”
The National Weather Service forecasted winter weather conditions for portions of west and north Texas, as well as severe storms in southeast Texas with potential for flash flooding, damaging wind, large hail, and tornadoes. The NWS also forecasted critical fire weather in south Texas.
At the Governor’s direction, TDEM alerted all members of the Texas Emergency Management Council to be prepared to support response and recovery operations across the state.
Texans are encouraged to implement safety preparedness measures, such as making an emergency plan, communicating that plan, and updating their emergency supply kits.