Gov. Abbott says state emergency response resources will be ready to handle severe weather issues Thursday

KVUE
Author: Michelle Homer, KHOU 11 Staff
Published: 5:26 PM CST November 29, 2023
Updated: 9:12 PM CST November 29, 2023

HOUSTON — Gov. Greg Abbott said the state is prepared for the possibility of severe thunderstorms Thursday across Southeast Texas, including the Greater Houston area.

The governor directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to be ready to respond to potential issues.

The KHOU 11 Weather Team is tracking a cold front moving in from West Texas that could bring storms with the possibility of damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. Hail and street flooding are also possible.

Most of the Houston area is under a Level 2 Threat for severe weather on Thursday and some areas north of Houston are under a higher Level 3.

"Texas is ready to swiftly respond with emergency resources to help local officials keep their communities safe amid severe weather," Abbott said.

Thursday thunderstorms: What to expect 

• Rain and thunderstorms are likely on Thursday
• Some thunderstorms could become strong to severe
• Damaging wind gusts from 30 to 45 mph and isolated tornadoes are the primary concern
• Heavy downpours could mean 1 to 2 inches of rain.

Timeline of storms

• Rain and thunderstorms are possible as early as the morning commute
• The best chance of severe thunderstorms is from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service, severe thunderstorms moving across the state tomorrow could bring a slight to enhanced risk of tornadoes with additional threats, including damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall, and flash flooding to the eastern half of Texas.

"Texans in at-risk areas are encouraged to remain vigilant, regularly monitor weather conditions, and take necessary safety precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones," Abbott said. "I thank all of the brave emergency personnel as they prepare to protect their fellow Texans during this severe weather."

At the direction of Abbott, TDEM has placed the following state emergency response resources on standby to support severe weather response operations if needed:

• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Boat Squads & Urban Search and Rescue Teams
• Texas A&M Forest Service: Incident Management Teams and saw crews
• Texas Department of State Health Services (Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe weather packages
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens and Boat Squads
• Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel and equipment to assist with traffic control and road closures
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents
• Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordinating with utility providers in the threat area

Texans are urged to prepare for severe weather impacts by taking safety precautions, including heeding warnings of local officials, making an emergency plan, and monitoring local weather forecasts. Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org and access the flood tracking information at TexasFlood.org.