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'A serious weather event is coming' | Texas increases readiness level ahead of Tropical Storm Beryl
Beryl’s forecast cone includes much of Texas, with impacts possible early next week.
AUSTIN, Texas — As Tropical Storm Beryl continues its track toward Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott has called for an escalated response in preparation.
Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to increase its readiness level ahead of Beryl’s potential landfall. Abbott also asked TDEM to ready the state’s emergency response resources for possible deployment.
While there’s still uncertainty in Beryl’s track, there’s increasing confidence that the storm will have impacts on Texas by early next week.
On Friday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick – who is acting governor while Abbott is overseas on a pre-planned trade mission – urged Texans to help each other prepare and pay attention to the forecast since most are enjoying the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
“Pay attention to this storm,” Patrick said. “You have about two days to prepare … Be in place by Monday, wherever you’re going to be. Monday will not be a good driving day. A serious weather event is coming.”
Patrick added that he has issued a disaster declaration for 39 counties and will add more if needed as the forecast unfolds.
Here’s a full list of resources currently prepared for deployment:
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service: Up to 200 Search and Rescue personnel, including Urban Search & Rescue Teams and Boat Squads
- Texas A&M Forest Service: Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System All-Hazard Incident Strike Teams
- Texas National Guard: Up to 1,000 National Guard personnel including high-profile vehicles and helicopters
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Troopers, Tactical Marine Unit and Aircraft
- Texas Department of State Health Services: Medical Incident Support Teams and severe weather packages
- Texas Department of Transportation: Highway maintenance personnel and personnel to monitor roadway conditions
For more information on preparations and Beryl, you can visit the TDEM Disaster Portal, the Texas Hurricane Center and the Texas Ready websites.