AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott on Jan 2nd, activated state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather and flash flooding threats expected to impact parts of Texas on Jan 2nd, and into the overnight hours. The National Weather Service is forecasting a marginal-to-enhanced risk of severe storms in the eastern half of the state, with primary threats including damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, and heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding.

“The State of Texas is proactively working to ensure Texans and their property remain safe from severe weather threats that could impact eastern regions of our state on Jan 2nd and early on Jan 3rd,” said Governor Abbott. “As we monitor conditions and potential threats, I urge Texans in affected areas to heed the guidance of local officials and remain weather-aware as severe weather systems develop. We will swiftly provide all necessary resources to address severe weather and protect our communities.”

At the direction of the Governor, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has activated the following resources to support severe weather response operations across the state:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service: Texas Task Force Two — Urban Search and Rescue Team

TDEM has requested the following state agencies identify resources to place on standby for deployment if needed:

• Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw crews and Incident Management Teams
• Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery agents
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Boat teams to support water rescue operations and helicopters with hoist capability
• Texas Department of Transportation: High-profile vehicles
• Texas National Guard: Transportation platoons and helicopters with hoist capability
• Texas Department of State Health Services: Texas Emergency Medical Task Force Severe Weather Packages
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol helicopters with hoist capability
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring/coordination with utility providers in the threat area
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Personnel to monitor drinking water, wastewater, and air quality
• TDEM: Mass care coordination

Texans are encouraged to visit texasready.gov for details on being informed, making a plan, and building an emergency supply kit.