As Texas braces for a continued week of severe weather threats, Governor Greg Abbott has activated state emergency response resources to help local communities prepare for hazardous conditions.
The state faces a heightened risk of severe weather events throughout the week, including possible tornadoes and heavy rainfall for parts of East Texas. Additionally, growing risks of wildfires loom over West Texas as dry conditions and strong winds set the stage for a potentially difficult fire season.
“Texas stands ready to support our local communities in East and West Texas as they brace for severe weather this weekend,” Abbott said in a statement published February 14.
“As we monitor the severe storms in East Texas and an increased wildfire risk in West Texas, state and local emergency management personnel are on standby to help support Texas communities,” he added.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for severe weather that could hit the eastern part of the state. The agency predicted heavy winds, potential tornadoes, and large hail. Flash flooding is also a concern for multiple areas scattered across the state. The NWS official website has a consistently updated list of impacted areas.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management is also closely monitoring the weather, offering updates online and coordinating state resources to help prevent and respond to any fires that may break out due to the recent dry conditions.
In addition to the severe weather expected this weekend, an “arctic cold front” is set to sweep across the state in the coming days, according to Abbott’s office. The governor claims that Texans should expect sub-freezing temperatures later this week.
Abbott urged Texans to monitor local weather reports closely, saying that with the potential for severe storms in East Texas and wildfires in the West, it is crucial for families to have an emergency plan in place.
Texans seeking storm safety advice can visit TexasReady.gov, those needing to check road conditions can go to DriveTexas.org, and anyone seeking flood-related information can check out TexasFlood.org.