Governor Abbott Mobilizes Texas Emergency Resources for Impending Winter Weather

Governor Greg Abbott has mobilized Texas emergency resources in anticipation of severe winter weather expected to affect the state. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has been directed to activate state emergency response protocols starting Thursday.

Weather Alerts and Initiatives

As per forecasts from the National Weather Service, an arctic cold front is likely to bring dangerously low temperatures and harsh wind-chill conditions through early next week. Texans can expect possible freezing rain, sleet, and snow, which may pose hazardous travel conditions and disrupt local infrastructure.

• Regions at High Risk: Northwest, north, and northeast Texas.»
• Freezing Rain and Sleet: Expected in west, central, south-central, east, and southeast Texas.
• Cold Rain: Predicted for deep south Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.

State Emergency Response Resources Activated

In response to these potentially hazardous conditions, the following resources have been activated:

• Texas Department of Transportation: Roadway equipment and crews are pre-treating roads and managing traffic control.
• Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team is working with local entities to update warming center maps.
• Texas National Guard: High-profile vehicles and personnel are ready to assist stranded motorists.
• Texas A&M Forest Service: All-Hazard Strike Teams with firefighters and motor graders will aid in snow and ice clearance.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens will support local law enforcement and assist motorists.
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Monitoring power outages and coordinating with utility providers.
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Conducting air, water, and wastewater monitoring.
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Troopers will patrol state roadways.
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service: Personnel will support public works needs.
• Texas Department of State Health Services: Emergency Medical Task Force will deploy winter and severe weather packages.
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Providing information on available services through the 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network.
• Texas Education Agency: Monitoring the needs of school districts across Texas.
• Texas Department of Information Resources: Monitoring technology infrastructure for potential impacts.

Public Safety and Preparedness

Authorities emphasize the importance of staying informed about the weather. Texans are encouraged to check road conditions at DriveTexas.org before traveling and to follow local officials’ guidance. Additional winter weather safety tips and resources can be found at TexasReady.gov and TDEM’s official website.

Governor Abbott thanked emergency personnel and first responders for their dedication to ensuring public safety during this challenging weather event.