Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org. Winter weather safety tips are available at TexasReady.gov. Locate warming centers opened at tdem. texas.gov/warm.
AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott Monday directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of severe winter weather expected to impact the state this week.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures at or below freezing are expected across large areas of the state. Some areas may face disruptive snow, ice, and freezing rain, causing potentially hazardous travel conditions through the rest of the week.
“The State of Texas is working around-the-clock to ensure Texans have the resources and support needed as severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas,” Abbott said.
Over the weekend, more than 700 Texas Department of Transportation personnel prepared for winter weather by pre-treating roads, bridges, and overpasses with over 500,000 gallons of brine and approximately 800 cubic yards of granular material.
“As temperatures begin to drop below freezing and regions of Texas face snow, ice, and freezing rain,” Abbott said, “it is crucial that everyone remain weather-aware, check Drive-Texas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance of state and local officials.”
TDEM has activated the following state emergency response resources to support winter weather response operations: — Texas Department of Transportation: Winter weather roadway equipment and crews pre-treating and treating roadways; personnel and equipment to assist with traffic control and road closures — Texas Division of Emergency Management: Incident Management Teams; personnel working with local partners to update warming center maps — Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw crews; motor graders and personnel to assist with snow/ice clearance — Texas National Guard: High-profile vehicles and personnel responding to support stranded motorists.
Additionally, the following state emergency response resources have been placed on standby for deployment as needed: Public Utility Commission of Texas, for power outage monitoring and coordinating with utility providers across the threat area.
Railroad Commission of Texas, to monitor of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, for air/water/ wastewater monitoring.
Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force), for its winter weather packages, including medics and ambulances.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service,, for disaster assessment and recovery agents.
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