Texas increases emergency readiness ahead of statewide weather threats

TX deploys emergency resources before storm

Ahead of the expected rain and wind, Gov. Abbott announced today that Texas is deploying emergency resources.

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas has increased its readiness level for emergency operations ahead of statewide weather threats this week.

Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to increase the readiness level of the Texas State Operations Center to Level II or Escalated Response.

Austin weather: Severe storms possible Monday

We're under a marginal risk of severe weather Monday and damaging winds are possible. Adaleigh Rowe has details in her full forecast.

The National Weather Service says a system of storms will bring multiple hazards beginning Monday, including strong winds, blowing snow, critical fire weather conditions, and severe thunderstorms.

Snowfall and dangerous wind chills are expected to impact the Panhandle, while fire weather conditions are anticipated in West/Southwest Texas. Severe thunderstorms with large hail, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding threats are expected to impact East/Southeast Texas.

Strong winds are possible across the entire state, with gusts reaching 60-70 miles per hour in some areas.

TDEM has also requested state agencies report to the Texas State Operations Center and ensure their resources are standing by to deploy as needed:

Texas Department of Transportation: Pre-treating and treating of roadways; monitoring road conditions
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Urban Search & Rescue Teams; Swiftwater Boat Squads
Texas A&M Forest Service: Firefighting personnel; heavy equipment, including motor graders for snow removal; saw crews and Incident Management Teams
Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Winter and Severe Weather Packages
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster assessment and recovery agents
Texas Animal Health Commission: Coordinating animal/agricultural resource needs
Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordinating with utility providers across the threat area
Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers and the Tactical Marine Unit
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department: Game Wardens and Boat Squads
Texas National Guard: Personnel and equipment to support response needs
Texas Department of Information Resources: Monitoring technology infrastructure
Texas Education Agency: Monitoring school district needs across the state
Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Texas VOAD): Coordinating of volunteer organizations across the state

Last week, the Governor directed TDEM to ready state emergency response resources in anticipation of these storm systems.

Texans are urged to make an emergency plan, follow instructions from local officials and first responders, and keep an emergency supply kit nearby. Texans can access weather safety information by going online, locate warming centers, check road conditions, and track flooding.

Track your local forecast for the Austin area quickly with the free FOX 7 WAPP. The design gives you radar, hourly, and 7-day weather information just by scrolling. Our weather alerts will warn you early and help you stay safe during storms.