Governor Abbott Makes Big Announcement About Storms In Texas

Governor Abbott recently provided an update on the State's ongoing response to storms in northeast Texas...

Photo byTravel & Tourism Council via Wikimedia Commons

Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update on the state’s ongoing response and recovery as severe storms impact Northeast Texas with wind, large hail, and heavy rainfall.

“The State of Texas continues working around the clock to swiftly provide the necessary resources for Northeast Texas communities impacted by these horrific storms,” said Governor Abbott. “State and local officials are on the ground to restore power and ensure the safety and well-being of our fellow Texans. I thank all emergency response personnel, local officials, and volunteers for their selfless dedication to help their fellow Texans rebuild and recover from these devastating storms.”

The Governor of Texas also updated the state's disaster declaration to include additional counties in order to assist affected communities in more effectively recovering from storms. For context, they are Camp, Gregg, Hopkins, Panola, Smith, and Titus counties.

“This expanded disaster declaration will help support the ongoing recovery efforts for all Texans impacted by recent severe storms and tornadoes that hit our state last week,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The State of Texas continues working with state and local officials to deploy any additional resources needed as they quickly restore power and provide ongoing assistance to their fellow Texans as they begin to recover and rebuild. I thank all first responders and response personnel for their continued hard work and dedication to respond to storm damages and assist in the recovery efforts of Northeast Texas communities.”

According to a press release from the Governor's office, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has deployed the following additional state resources to improve response in local communities:

• Mobile medical units to support local hospital operations.
• Additional Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System Strike Teams, tactical water tenders, and additional Incident Management Teams to support local firefighting capability and points of distribution.
• Emergency management personnel to support local emergency operations centers and to coordinate the establishment of Points of Distribution (PODs) across the impacted counties for members of the community to pick up water, ice, and Meals Ready to Eat (MREs).

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