Texas emergency officials are mobilizing rescue crews and other response resources as severe weather and heavy rain threaten West Texas this week, with the potential for flash flooding as the system moves farther south. The Texas Division of Emergency Management was directed Tuesday to activate the resources, which include swiftwater rescue boat squads, urban search-and-rescue teams and high-profile vehicles designed to help reach people in floodwaters. Game wardens, rescue boat crews and helicopters equipped with hoists are also available for water rescues. The state response includes Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, its Tactical Marine Unit, and medical teams with ambulances and all-terrain vehicles. Hazards Strike Teams are being deployed to support incident response and supplement local emergency services. Additional staff will monitor road and transportation conditions. State agencies are also tracking potential effects beyond immediate rescue needs. Disaster assessment and recovery agents and county extension agents are prepared to assist with agricultural and livestock issues. Officials are monitoring power outages and coordinating with utility providers, while also keeping watch on natural gas supplies and air, water and wastewater conditions. The activation places state resources on standby to support local responders if conditions worsen. Texans are encouraged to keep up with local forecasts as the weather develops.