Texans are bracing for a volatile week as severe storms sweep across the northern half of the state, with the threat of tornadoes, flash flooding, and large hail looming through the end of September. On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott took decisive action, activating a broad array of emergency response teams and resources to confront not only the incoming storms but also the heightened wildfire risk in western Texas. The move, which comes as forecasts grow more dire, underscores the dual threats facing the state and the importance of coordinated disaster readiness.
According to the National Weather Service, multiple rounds of severe storms are expected to batter northern Texas starting Tuesday, with hazards ranging from damaging winds and possible tornadoes to heavy rainfall and flash flooding. The risk is projected to expand southward as the week progresses, potentially affecting a larger swath of the state. As if that weren’t enough, western Texas faces a double whammy: dry conditions there have ratcheted up the risk of wildfires, creating a precarious situation for residents and emergency responders alike.
Governor Abbott addressed the state’s preparations with a sense of urgency, stating, “The State of Texas is ready to swiftly respond to severe weather expected across the state this week. State and local emergency response personnel are on standby to support Texas communities through the potential heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and tornadoes across Texas and wildfire threats in West Texas.” His remarks, reported by FOX 44 and other outlets, reflect the gravity of the situation and the breadth of the state’s response.
To meet the challenges head-on, Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to mobilize additional wildfire resources, supplementing those already activated last month. The Texas A&M Forest Service, which has been closely monitoring the situation, reports elevated fire danger across the western half of the state. Their teams are not only preparing for wildfires but also standing ready to assist with storm-related emergencies, highlighting the interconnected nature of the threats.
State and local agencies have swung into action, deploying a formidable arsenal of resources. Water rescue teams from Texas Task Force 1, including swiftwater rescue boat squads, are on standby to assist with potential flood rescues. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has dispatched game wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters equipped with hoist capabilities to bolster flood response efforts. Meanwhile, the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force has prepared medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles to respond to medical emergencies arising from the storms and floods.
Firefighting capabilities are being ramped up as well. The Texas A&M Forest Service has positioned fire engines, bulldozers, and motor graders across high-risk areas, and has called in federally contracted firefighting aircraft—including a large air tanker, single-engine air tankers for retardant drops, and an air attack platform for surveillance and spotting. The Texas National Guard has deployed Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters, both equipped for firefighting operations, to provide aerial support where needed most.
Other state agencies are playing key roles in the response. The Texas Department of Transportation has personnel monitoring road conditions, ready to respond to closures or hazards, while the Texas Department of Public Safety is providing helicopters with hoist capabilities, Highway Patrol Troopers, and a Tactical Marine Unit to assist with rescues and law enforcement. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has mobilized Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents, as well as County Extension Agents, to support agricultural and livestock needs—an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of disaster response in rural communities.
Utility regulators are also on high alert. The Public Utility Commission of Texas is monitoring power outages and coordinating with utility providers to minimize disruptions. The Railroad Commission of Texas is keeping a close eye on the state’s natural gas supply and maintaining communication with the oil and gas industry, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains operational. Environmental quality teams from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are ready to assess impacts on air, water, and wastewater, helping prevent secondary disasters that can follow in the wake of severe weather or wildfire.
Governor Abbott and state agencies have been vocal in urging Texans to take the threat seriously. Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware, monitor local forecasts, and take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their property. “Texans are urged to monitor weather, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to keep themselves and their loved ones safe,” Abbott said in a statement. The message is clear: preparedness can make all the difference when disaster strikes.
To help residents get ready, the state has made a wealth of resources available. Emergency preparedness tips and weather safety information can be found at TexasReady.gov, while road conditions are updated at DriveTexas.org. For those concerned about flooding, TexasFlood.org provides vital information, and wildfire updates are posted at tfsweb.tamu.edu. These tools are designed to empower Texans to make informed decisions, whether they’re sheltering in place, evacuating, or simply keeping an eye on changing conditions.
For many, the scale of the response is both reassuring and a sobering reminder of the risks that come with living in a state as vast and varied as Texas. The coordinated effort involves not just emergency responders but also transportation officials, health services, environmental agencies, and utility regulators—all working together to keep communities safe. The activation of such a wide range of resources, from helicopters and firefighting aircraft to disaster assessment agents and power outage monitors, speaks to the complexity of managing multiple, overlapping disasters.
As the week unfolds, Texans will be watching the skies and the news, hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. The combination of severe storms and wildfire risk is a stark illustration of the challenges posed by extreme weather, especially in an era of increasingly unpredictable climate patterns. State officials are counting on the public to do their part—by staying informed, making emergency plans, and following the guidance of authorities.
In the days ahead, the effectiveness of Texas’s emergency response will be put to the test. But with resources mobilized, agencies coordinated, and residents on alert, the state is as ready as it can be for whatever nature has in store. For now, all eyes are on the forecast, and the hope is that preparation and vigilance will help Texas weather the storms ahead.