AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Gov. Greg Abbott activated the state emergency response via the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) as a severe weather threat begins for the eastern half of Texas, a news release from Abbott's office said. Severe storms were expected to develop across North, Central, East and Southeast Texas Thursday, including risks of large hail, damaging winds and possible tornadoes and heavy rainfall, the release said. Abbott said the severe storm risks are expected to last through the weekend, and "minor river flooding" is expected over the course of several days. The release said that threat should subside early next week. "Texas is prepared to deploy all necessary resources to help local officials respond to severe weather threats," Abbott said in the release. “As Texans and out-of-state visitors begin traveling after the Christmas holiday, it’s crucial that everyone regularly monitor road conditions, make an emergency plan, and heed the guidance of state and local officials. I thank all the emergency response personnel for their work this holiday week as they help their fellow Texans during these storms.” TDEM activated the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, or Texas A&M Task Force 1, which has swift water rescue boat squads that can help assist with flood rescues, the release said. The TDEM also has the following resources on standby, per Abbott's instruction, listed below: Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Teams Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Packages Additionally, Abbott said Texans can monitor road condition and should check before traveling at DriveTexas.org. Texans can find flood information at TexasFlood.org, and for any other additional information, they can visit the TDEM website.