AUSTIN, Texas — On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott placed numerous resources on standby across the state in anticipation of severe weather that was expected to impact Central Texas on Wednesday. On Saturday, he doubled down ahead of more severe weather expected Saturday night and Sunday morning.
According to Abbott's office, the Texas Division of Emergency Management will be rostering Texas A&M Forest Service saw crews, Texas Parks and Wildlife water rescue boats, Texas A&M Engineering and Extension Service Urban Search and Rescue and Swift Water Rescue Boat Squads and a Texas Department of State Health Services Ambulance Strike Team. The Texas State Operations Center also remains activated at Level II in support of the ongoing response to COVID-19.
Other agencies involved in the response efforts include the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Military Department, Texas A&M Task Force One and the State Mass Care Team.
"Texas is taking necessary precautions to keep our communities safe in the event of severe weather," Abbott said. "Texans should pay attention to weather alerts and listen to the guidance of local officials to protect themselves and others."
KVUE's Storm Team meteorologists said the threat of severe weather will return to Central Texas Saturday evening into the early morning hours of Easter Sunday. The risk for severe weather is a 3 out of 5, or an "Enhanced Risk," and the main threats will be from severe storms producing large hail and damaging winds. Read more about the storms Central Texas is expecting.
The governor's office provided the following safety tips for Texans:
- When severe storms threaten, the safest place to be is indoors.
- 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 and always observe road barricades placed for your protection. Remember, "Turn Around Don’t Drown."
- Dangerous waters can seem deceptively calm, and if you encounter flooding, move to higher ground.
- Keep in mind that flood dangers are even harder to recognize at night.
- Stay informed by monitoring weather radios and news broadcasts for updated information on current and anticipated severe weather in your area.
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