TEXAS — Gov. Greg Abbott activated winter storm emergency response resources across Texas on Monday as freezing rain and frigid temperatures hammer much of the state at least until Thursday. 

“The State of Texas is working tirelessly to ensure Texans and their communities have the resources, assistance, and support needed to respond to winter weather impacts across the state,” said Gov. Abbott. "As we mobilize the resources Texans need to stay safe, I encourage everyone to remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance from local officials. I want to thank all the first responders and emergency management personnel helping Texas communities prepare and stay safe during this severe weather."

The forecasted wintry mix, mostly freezing rain, is hitting West, Central and North Texas with sub-freezing temperatures throughout the week. There is potential for heavy rainfall and flash floods in Central, East and South Texas on Wednesday and Thursday.

Resources requested by TDEM to report to the SOC include:

  • Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
  • Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service
  • Texas A&M Forest Service
  • Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
  • Texas Health and Human Services Commission
  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
  • Texas Animal Health Commission
  • Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service
  • Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC)
  • Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC)
  • Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
  • Texas National Guard
  • Texas Education Agency
  • Texas Department of Information Resources

Emergency resources activated by the governor include:

  • TxDOT: Pre-treat and treat roadways
  • TDEM: Personnel to keep warming center maps updated
  • Texas National Guard: Respond to support stranded motorists
  • Texas A&M Forest Service: Assist with snow/ice clearance and removal of downed trees
  • PUC: Monitor power outage
  • RRC: Monitor the state’s natural gas supply
  • TCEQ: Monitor drinking water, wastewater and air quality
  • DPS: Patrol roadways
  • DSHS: Severe weather packages

Many schools across the Lone Star State remain closed on Tuesday due to the winter storm and dangerous road conditions. Flights throughout Texas have been canceled as well.