As the freezing temperatures in Texas continue, Governor Greg Abbott shared an update Wednesday morning on the state’s activated emergency response.
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The governor held a news conference at 10:30 a.m., joined by several state departments in Austin as temperatures expect to drop below freezing across many areas in Texas.
Governor Abbott also said the concern isn’t so much the state losing power, meaning the grid, but specific communities in Texas.
“If there is a loss of power, it’s not going to be because of the power grid, it’s going to be because of some impact on a local power line that your local power provider is going to be responsible for addressing,” he said at the conference. “So it’s important at this time to make sure you have all the contact information that you need...to contact your local provider.”
He also encouraged residents if they need to be on the road to be cautious of icy conditions.
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The update comes just days after the governor directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to prepare to use emergency response resources to help aid communities impacted by the severe cold weather.
“The State of Texas is working around-the-clock to ensure Texans have the resources and support needed as severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas,” Gov. Abbott said in a statement Monday. “As temperatures begin to drop below freezing and regions of Texas face snow, ice, and freezing rain, it is crucial that everyone remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance of state and local officials. Texans can find the warming center nearest them at tdem.texas.gov/warm. I thank emergency management personnel and first responders for working tirelessly to help Texans prepare and stay safe during this winter weather.”
The National Weather Service previously reported that temperatures near or below freezing are anticipated across large areas of Texas. Because of these atypical conditions, Texans should be prepared to face snow, ice, and freezing rain, which may create slippery roads and other hazardous traveling elements.
In Houston, we expected more wind chills, while Wednesday’s temperatures started in the mid-30s. Those temperatures will struggle to warm up with increasing cloud cover and afternoon highs only reaching the mid-to-upper 40s.
TDEM officials are working with local communities to update warming centers across the state. The Department of Transportation is also working to provide winter roadway equipment to impacted areas, and personnel will be present to control traffic and road closures.