Gov. Greg Abbott activated a Texas severe storm emergency response on Sunday, directing the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy state resources across a broad stretch of the state. The move came as a powerful storm system began pushing through West, North, East, Central and South-Central Texas, bringing with it the threat of hurricane-force winds, oversized hail and possible tornadoes.
Forecasters warn the system could produce wind gusts topping 75 mph and hail exceeding 2 inches in diameter. The severe weather threat runs through Monday morning, leaving a wide portion of Texas in its path. Abbott urged all residents to monitor local forecasts closely and to avoid flooded roadways entirely, repeating the familiar public safety phrase, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
Flash flooding and heavy rainfall top the concern list
Rainfall totals across affected regions could reach 3 to 6 inches in many areas. Some isolated locations may see as much as 10 inches. That level of accumulation raises serious flash flooding concerns, particularly for low-lying communities and roadways near waterways.
As the system progresses through the state, forecasters expect the storm’s heaviest impacts to shift toward the South and Southeast Texas coasts. Residents in those areas should prepare early and track conditions as the system moves in their direction.
What the state has deployed
Abbott authorized a wide range of state assets to support local officials on the ground. The response covers several areas of need.
On the search-and-rescue front, swiftwater and floodwater rescue boat squads are active, along with urban search-and-rescue teams from Texas A&M Task Forces 1, 2 and 3. Aviation support includes Department of Public Safety helicopters equipped with hoist capabilities, as well as aircraft from Texas Parks and Wildlife and Tactical Marine Units.
Infrastructure crews from the Texas Forest Service stand ready to clear storm debris from roadways. Texas Department of Transportation personnel are actively monitoring highway conditions across the state. Emergency medical task forces, complete with ambulances and all-terrain vehicles, are also on standby to respond to injuries in hard-to-reach areas.
State monitors from the Public Utility Commission are coordinating power outage responses as the system moves through. Additionally, state agencies are keeping close watch on Texas’ natural gas supply and water quality throughout the storm’s duration.
What residents should do now
Officials are encouraging all Texans in affected areas to take practical steps before the storms arrive. Assembling an emergency kit with water, food, medications and flashlights tops the list. Residents planning to travel should check road conditions at DriveTexas.org before getting behind the wheel.
Avoiding flood-prone roads remains the most urgent safety message from officials. Floodwaters can rise faster than expected and can disguise the depth of road damage beneath the surface. Even a small amount of moving water can push a vehicle off course.
The storm system represents one of the more serious weather threats Texas has faced this season. With state resources now fully activated and local officials receiving support, the priority remains keeping communities safe until the system clears by Monday morning.
Source: FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth, Governor Greg Abbott Press Office
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