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Gov. Abbott issues disaster declaration in response to severe winter weather impacting Texas

Abbott deploys resources as severe weather impacts state

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a news conference where he provided an update to Texas' response to COVID-19, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (AP)

AUSTIN – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration Friday in all 254 counties in response to severe winter weather that is impacting the state.

RELATED: San Antonio area in for two rounds of winter weather this weekend

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According to the Office of the Governor, Abbott is continuing to deploy state resources available to assist local officials in their response efforts.

Abbott has ordered the Texas State Operations Center to expand its daily operations to 24 hours a day through the end of next week, officials said.

“Texas should heed the guidance of their local leaders and stay alert to changing weather conditions in their area,” Abbott said in a released statement. “These resources will help us respond to this severe winter weather and keep our communities safe. The state of Texas remains in close contact with officials on the ground and will provide any additional resources and support that are needed.”

RELATED: Now is the time to prepare your vehicle, gather emergency supplies before wintry weather hits

At Abbott’s direction, officials said the Texas Division of Emergency Management has deployed the following state resources to support winter weather response operations:

  • Texas Department of Transportation: Winter weather roadway preparation equipment and response crews, as well as road condition monitoring.
  • Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety: Courtesy patrols to assist stranded motorists along major travel corridors.
  • Texas Military Department: Winter weather equipment and personnel to support Amarillo, Wichita Falls, Abilene, Fort Worth and Waco to assist in stranded motorist operations.
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Four-wheel drive vehicles and personnel to assist with stranded motorists along major travel corridors.
  • Texas A&M Forest Service: Motor graders and personnel to assist with snow/ice clearance, and saw crews to assist with removal of downed trees.
  • Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, Texas Task Force 1: Search and rescue equipment and teams.
  • Public Utility Commission of Texas: Monitoring and reporting of power outages, and monitoring of any issues impacting the power generation capability in the state.
  • Texas Animal Health Commission: Response equipment and personnel to address livestock concerns due to frigid temperatures.

Click here to view Abbott’s disaster declaration.

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