Governor Greg Abbott has elevated activation of the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) in anticipation of forecasted severe storms approaching Texas. This action will enable the State of Texas to respond in a timely manner should the need arise. The Governor’s office called the approaching storms “a significant weather event.”
“We urge Texans to closely monitor the changing weather conditions in their area and heed warnings from local officials, as these storms have the potential to bring dangerous flash flooding, damaging winds and hail, and the possibility for tornadoes.” said Governor Abbott in a statement obtained by Breitbart Texas. “Ensuring the safety of Texans is paramount, and the state stands ready to provide support to our local leaders as this weather system moves through our state.”
It is expected that the storms which could contain severe thunderstorms, large hail, damaging winds, flash flooding and tornadoes will cross much of the Lone Star State from now through next Tuesday.
The SOC is working with the Texas Emergency Management Council and will be monitoring the weather conditions as they develop. The National Weather Service website is also a good resource for maintaining awareness of local weather conditions. Additional information can be found on the Texas Department of Public Safety threat awareness website.
The SOC offers the following advice for Texans:
- When severe storms threaten, the safest place to be is indoors.
- If you are outdoors, seek shelter in a home, large building or automobile. Do not take shelter in sheds, pavilions, tents, dugouts, or other small, open sided buildings.
- Avoid areas already flooded and avoid any fast-flowing water.
- Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains or other areas – never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways.
- Remember that dangerous waters can seem deceptively calm, and if you encounter flooding, move to higher ground.
- Monitor weather radios and news broadcasts for updated information on current and anticipated severe weather.
- Keep in mind that flood dangers are even harder to recognize at night.
Texas resources are currently being readied for the event of an emergency. Those include:
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): DPS personnel and resources are on standby as needed.
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD): Game wardens in all regions of the state are prepared for deployment in the event of flash flooding/water rescue incidents.
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS): DSHS is making preparations to activate the State Medical Operations Center (SMOC) as conditions warrant.
Texas Military Forces (TMF): TMF personnel and rescue resources are ready for rapid deployment as needed.
Texas Task Force 1 (TTF1): Remains on standby with boat rescue squads available.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ): TCEQ continues to monitor dams and river levels in the affected areas.
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT): TxDOT crews are prepared to deploy resources as needed to address possible flooding conditions impacting roadways.
Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC): PUC personnel are on standby to respond to potential power/utility issues.
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD): VOAD organizations continue to monitor the situation and prepare for activation as needed.
As always, check with local news radio and television stations for up-to-date information about weather alerts in your local area.
Bob Price is a senior political news contributor for Breitbart Texas and a member of the original Breitbart Texas team. Follow him on Twitter @BobPriceBBTX and on Facebook.