Ahead of the storm, Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to prepare emergency response resources. According to a news release, the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service has search and rescue teams that are prepared to respond if tornadoes, flash flooding or other natural disasters impact Texas cities during the storm.
The Texas Department of Transportation will monitor road conditions, and the Public Utility Commission of Texas will work with local utility providers to monitor potential power outages, the release said. Other state agencies will be on standby as the storm system moves into Texas.
According to the National Weather Service, residents of Austin and San Antonio can expect marginal-to-slight storms, while people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area can expect an enhanced storm threat.
In the Hill Country and portions of the I-35 corridor, there is a low chance for showers and storms late March 1 into the next morning, the NWS reported. Central Texans can expect a few severe storms March 2, with the potential for strong winds, hail and isolated tornadoes.
Several storms are expected to bring damaging winds, large hail and possible tornadoes to North Texas on March 2.
Emergency response teams are also prepared to respond to possible wildfires in the southern portion of the state, according to a news release. Officials encourage Texans to avoid activities that could cause sparks or flames. For more information about wildfire safety, including how to make an emergency plan, Texans can visit TexasReady.gov.There is a risk of a few severe storms across most of South-Central Texas late Thursday afternoon and evening, including the Hill Country, I-35 corridor, and Coastal Plains. Damaging straight line winds, isolated tornadoes, and large hail are possible with any severe storms. pic.twitter.com/memotdc0Q8
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) March 1, 2023
A red flag warning has been issued for San Antonio from noon March 2 to 3 a.m. March 3. This means that there is an increased risk of fire danger, and extreme fire weather conditions are either currently occurring or will soon.
According to the NWS, there will be very strong winds and low humidity, which means that fires could spread rapidly.
Abbott renewed the drought disaster declaration for 86 counties, including Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, Montgomery and Travis, on March 1.Very windy conditions will develop Thursday afternoon and evening across the Rio Grande Plains, southern Edwards Plateau, Hill Country, and portions of the I-35 corridor. Critical fire weather conditions are also expected. pic.twitter.com/Azr2tKjfip
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) March 1, 2023