TEXAS — Governor Greg Abbott placed numerous resources on standby across the state in case they are needed following severe weather that is expected in Texas this week.
The governor has also ordered the Texas State Operations Center to elevate its readiness level from level 4, normal conditions, to level 3, increased readiness, for severe weather this week.
“As Texas prepares for another round of severe weather, including the potential for tornadoes and dangerous flooding, multiple state resources have been prepositioned for rapid deployment should local officials need assistance with search and rescue operations,” said Governor Abbott. “We are asking Texans to stay alert during this dangerous storm system and heed all warnings from local officials.”
In addition to placing multiple aviation assets, boats and personnel on standby, Gov. Abbott deployed Texas Task Force 2 to Wichita Falls.
From there, Texas Task Force 2 is ready for rapid deployment to the Texas Panhandle, which is facing the greatest threat for tornadoes, dangerous winds and damaging hail through the night.
Current forecasts indicate all areas in the path of the storm system are at risk for flash flooding through the remainder of the week.
State agencies involved in the emergency response effort include the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Task Force 2, Texas A&M Texas Task Force 1, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Military Department.
The following resources are on standby:
- 19 Water Rescue Boats and Crews
- 2 Helicopters with Hoisting Capability
- 30 High Profile Vehicles
- 8 Ambulance Buses
- 1 Ambulance Strike Teams
- 1 Type One Mobile Medical Unit
- 8 Medical Incident Support Teams
- 1 Task Force Leader
