Governor Greg Abbott has placed numerous resources on standby across the state in preparation for an outbreak of severe weather expected to hit the state.
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The Governor has also ordered the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) to Level III (increased readiness) for this weather event, and the state stands ready to assist should this latest severe weather system cause damage across the Lone Star State.
“With severe weather and tornadoes approaching, the state of Texas is taking all necessary precautions to keep Texans safe, including providing local officials with the resources they need during and in the aftermath of these storms,” said Governor Abbott.
“This coordinated response between local and state officials will better protect Texans and mitigate any potential damage from severe weather.
I strongly encourage all Texans in the storm’s path to pay close attention to weather reports and heed all warnings from local officials.”
In addition to placing multiple aviation assets, boats, and personnel on standby across the state, Governor Abbott activated elements of Texas Task Force 1 and 2 for rapid deployment to the Texas Panhandle.
The Texas Panhandle, Texas Southern Plains, and North Texas regions are facing the greatest threat for severe weather, including tornadoes and hail.
Several rounds of storms are expected throughout the day and into the evening.
Damaging winds are expected across most of the state.
The SOC is coordinating with the National Weather Service and closely monitoring these storms.
State agencies involved in the emergency response effort include the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Task Force 2, Texas A and M Texas Task Force 1, Texas A and M Forest Service, and Texas Military Department.
The following resources are on standby:
8 AMBUSes
8 Ambulance Strike Teams
1 Type 1 Mobile Medical Unit
8 Medical Incident Support Team
3 IMT Short Teams
3 Saw Team
7 Game Wardens
6 Boats
2 Type III USAR Teams
1 Type I USAR Team
4 Boat Teams. ■
A trailing cold front in connection with a low pressure system currently moving east across the Great Lakes toward New England will bring a chance of rain into the eastern U.S. on this first day of November following an exceptionally dry October for this part of the country.