State resources on standby in preparation for severe storms

AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott has placed numerous state resources on standby ahead of severe storms and extreme fire danger expected in Texas.

Severe storms with heavy winds, large hail, and potential flash flooding are likely throughout North, East, and Central Texas beginning Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. Extreme fire danger has been forecast across west Texas throughout the weekend.

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Noon weather forecast for April 23, 2021

Much of Central Texas is under a slight risk for severe weather. Zack Shields has all the details in his full forecast and stay weather aware and download the FOX 7 WAPP.

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"As severe weather makes its way across the Lone Star State, I urge North, Central, and East Texans to stay weather-aware and heed the guidance of local officials," said Abbott. "In preparation for this severe weather, the State of Texas has placed a variety of emergency resources on standby, and we will continue to monitor weather conditions as this storm system travels across our state."

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has rostered the following state resources to support severe weather response operations:

Texas A&M Forest Service: saw crews
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force One and Texas Task Force Two): boat squads and urban search and rescue packages
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Texas Game Warden Boat Teams
Texas Department of State Health Services: Texas Emergency Medical Task Force severe weather packages
Texas Department of Public Safety: Helicopters with hoist capability
Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring/coordination with utility providers in the threat area.

TDEM has also asked the Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System to prepare resources to support operations related to the extreme fire danger forecast.