Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, received an update on the newest severe winter weather conditions that would impact a significant portion of the state on Wednesday morning. Around 10:30 a.m., he announced the adjustments at a news conference in Austin.
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Governor Greg Abbott received a briefing and held a news conference Wednesday morning on Texas’ ongoing response to severe winter weather.
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This comes a day after he announced the increase of the readiness level to Level II – Escalated Response.
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The NWS says a large area of the state is expected to face ongoing freezing and below-freezing temperatures throughout the week.
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Governor Greg Abbott received a briefing and held a news conference Wednesday morning on Texas’ ongoing response to severe winter weather.
-
This comes a day after he announced the increase of the readiness level to Level II – Escalated Response.
-
The NWS says a large area of the state is expected to face ongoing freezing and below-freezing temperatures throughout the week.
AustinGreg Abbott, the governor of Texas, received an update on the newest severe winter weather conditions that would impact a significant portion of the state on Wednesday morning. In Austin, he hosted a press conference.
Public Utility Commission Chair Thomas Gleeson, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) CEO Pablo Vegas, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Transportation Deputy Executive Director Brian Barth, and other state officials and emergency management staff joined the governor.
Texas Winter Storm
What they’re saying:
“The lives of our fellow Texans are by far the most important thing, and we’re directing resources and responses and strategies to make sure that we put protecting life first and foremost,” stated Governor Greg Abbot in the early hours of Wednesday.
“Much of the state of Texas will continue to experience extremely cold and below-freezing weather, particularly in the northern portion of the state where high temperatures are hardly rising above the 30s. According to Abbott, rain, sleet, and snow will start to move eastward this afternoon and affect west, central north, and northeast Texas until Friday morning.
“Snow, ice, and accumulations could have potentially serious travel impacts from West Texas through the big country, Concho Valley, and the northern hill area. The Dallas-Fort Worth region and a large portion of northeast Texas are expected to have higher snowfall totals.
“In addition to the wintry precipitation, Central, Southeast and South Texas may get some rain which may lead to flash flooding in certain coastal communities,” Abbott stated.
Warming Centers Across the State
Over 345 warming facilities have been established by municipal governments throughout the state, according to Governor Abbott. Find them atwww.tdem.texas.gov/warm. The public can locate their nearest warming facility by calling 211 or going to 211Texas.org.
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Maintaining Power in Texas
According to ERCOT officials, they anticipate having a more than sufficient supply of electricity to run the state during this winter event. More than 10,000 megawatts of new generation this year, since last winter. The grid has more supply than it has ever had.
If there is a loss of power, it’s not going to be because of the power grid. It is going to be because of some impact on a local power line that your local power provider is going to be responsible for. If you lose power, you need to call your local power provider.
Driving during the Winter Storm
TxDOT has more than 2,000 employees deployed who are treating the roads, bridges, and overpasses. The crews are working 24/7.
“We’re not used to driving in snow, we’re not used to driving in conditions like this. Be careful, be cautious. Make sure you’re protecting your own life. If you do get out on the road, drive safely. If you don’t need to be out on the road, stay home,: said Gov. Abbott.
Road conditions can be found atDriveTexas.org.
Winter Storm Warning
We know:
Parts of North Central and Northeast Texas are under a Winter Storm Warning, which is in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday through noon on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
On Thursday night, the National Weather Service predicts a shift to all-snow conditions after heavy mixed precipitation. Two to four inches of snow will accumulate overall. In more heavy snow bands, the NWS reports that isolated snowfall totals could reach up to 8 inches.
What this weather will affect is another part of a warning. The trips on Thursday mornings and evenings could be extremely challenging.
RELATED STORY:Dallas weather: Winter storm watch upgraded to warning, when to expect snow tomorrow
State Emergency Response Resources
Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to increase the readiness level of the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) to Level II (Escalated Response) ahead of winter weather expected to impact the state, with the greatest impacts beginning Wednesday through the weekend.
What they’re saying:
“With below-freezing temperatures beginning to impact large portions of the state, Texas is increasing the readiness level of the State Operations Center to ensure resources are swiftly deployed to communities,” said Governor Abbott. “As the State of Texas mobilizes the emergency response resources Texans need to stay safe and warm, I urge everyone to remain weather-aware, regularly monitor road conditions before traveling, and heed guidance from state and local officials. I thank all the first responders and emergency management personnel for their efforts to help Texas communities brace for winter weather.”
Winter Storm Warning: Here’s what it means
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for parts of North Central and Northeast Texas from 6 a.m. Thursday until Noon on Friday.
Winter Storm Watch
Additionally, a Winter Storm Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service, and it will be in force through Friday night.
What they’re saying:
There could be a lot of mixed precipitation, and late Thursday is when snow is predicted. Ice accumulations of about a tenth of an inch and total snow and sleet accumulations of up to two inches are possible.
Roads will probably get slippery and dangerous, especially bridges and overpasses. Traveling could be somewhat challenging. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes.
Dig deeper:
Texans can locate winter weather safety tips by visitingTexasReady.gov, find warming centers opened and operated by local officials attdem.texas.gov/warm, and check road conditions atDriveTexas.org.
The Source:Information in this article is from the Texas Governor’s Office and the National Weather Service.
