Abbott directs TDEM to prepare for severe weather, flood threats in Texas

AUSTIN (KXAN) — With severe weather and flood threats expected over the next few days for Central Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott announced the state has increased its “readiness level” and is prepared to respond.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) increased that readiness to a Level II, which is an escalated response, according to a news release from Abbott’s office.

KXAN’s First Warning Weather Team said storms will begin to bubble up around mid-afternoon Wednesday in Austin, growing in intensity and coverage into the early evening.

Following afternoon storms, a cluster of what looks to be even stronger storms arrives after midnight and will continue through the early morning hours on Thursday.

Some of the severe weather includes flash flooding through the weekend, the release said. Risks across Texas also include “large hail, damaging winds and possible tornadoes,” according to the National Weather Service.

Below is a list of agencies TDEM requested, as provided in the release:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas Department of Transportation
• Texas Department of State Health Services
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission
• Texas Parks and Wildlife
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
• Texas Animal Health Commission
• Texas Department of Agriculture
• Public Utility Commission of Texas
• Railroad Commission of Texas
• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Texas National Guard
• Texas Education Agency
• Texas Department of Information Resources
• Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
• American Red Cross
• Salvation Army

“Texans are urged to remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance of state and local officials. I thank our brave emergency personnel and first responders for working tirelessly to protect communities across our great state. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” Abbott said in the release.

To check road conditions, Texans can check the DriveTexas.org website .

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