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Texas Activates Emergency Resources as Dual Weather Systems Approach State

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Governor Greg Abbott has activated state emergency response resources in anticipation of two consecutive weather systems expected to impact Texas beginning Thursday and continuing through early next week. An Arctic cold front is forecast to bring dangerously low temperatures and winter precipitation, followed by a severe storm system with potential for high winds, large hail, and flooding.

Weather Forecast and Timeline

Arctic Blast and Winter Weather (Thursday – Early Next Week)

According to the National Weather Service, an Arctic cold front is expected to move into Texas on Thursday, bringing extremely cold temperatures and wind chills through early next week. A storm system accompanying the front may produce freezing rain, sleet, and snow, leading to hazardous travel conditions and potential infrastructure impacts.

  • Northwestern, northern, and northeastern Texas face the highest risk of wintry precipitation.
  • Western, central, south-central, eastern, and southeastern Texas are more likely to experience freezing rain and sleet.
  • Deep south Texas and the Rio Grande Valley are expected to receive cold rain.

Severe Storms (Saturday – Monday Morning)

A separate severe storm system is projected to affect the state from late Saturday through Monday morning, impacting West, North, East, Central, and South-Central Texas. Forecasts indicate:

  • Wind gusts exceeding 75 mph
  • Hail larger than 2 inches in diameter
  • Heavy rainfall of 3 to 6 inches, with isolated amounts up to 10 inches
  • Flash flooding
  • Possible tornadoes

"Wind gusts exceeding 75 mph, hail larger than 2 inches, and up to 10 inches of rain are possible."

State Emergency Resource Activation

Governor Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources. A broad coalition of state agencies has been mobilized, including:

Agency Resources Deployed Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Crews and equipment for pre-treating and treating roadways; personnel for traffic control and road closures Texas Division of Emergency Management State of Texas Incident Management Team; personnel updating warming center maps Texas National Guard High-profile vehicles and personnel to assist stranded motorists Texas A&M Forest Service All-Hazard Strike Teams including firefighters, engines, snow/ice clearance equipment, and saw crews Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Game Wardens to support local law enforcement; high-profile vehicles for stranded motorists Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) Monitoring power outages and coordinating with utility providers Railroad Commission of Texas Monitoring natural gas supply; communicating with oil and gas industry Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Monitoring air, water, and wastewater systems Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Texas Highway Patrol Troopers patrolling roadways Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Public Works Response Team personnel Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents Texas Department of State Health Services Emergency Medical Task Force with winter and severe weather packages, medics, and ambulances Texas Health and Human Services Commission Personnel providing information through 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network Texas Education Agency (TEA) Monitoring school district needs Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) Monitoring technology infrastructure

Additional state assets for the severe storm phase include swiftwater rescue boat squads, urban search and rescue teams, helicopters with hoist capabilities, tactical marine units, and utility monitors.

Power Grid Status

ERCOT Projections

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) projects sufficient power generation to meet demand throughout the upcoming weekend. ERCOT reports the grid is in better condition than during the February 2021 winter storm (Winter Storm Uri), which caused widespread power outages and hundreds of fatalities.

Post-2021 Improvements

Since the 2021 storm, Texas has implemented several grid-hardening measures:

  • New weatherization standards for power plants and gas facilities, with fines of up to $1 million per day for violations
  • Over 40,000 megawatts of additional power generation added to the grid
  • Increased energy storage capacity through batteries
  • Growth in renewable energy sources, including solar and wind
  • Designation of many oil and natural gas field operations as "critical load," prioritizing their power supply during blackouts
  • Enhanced communication between energy industry and state agencies

"The grid is in better condition than during Winter Storm Uri, officials say."

According to the Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance, key improvements include increased power generation from solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage. The Railroad Commission of Texas inspected over 7,400 natural gas facilities last year and created the Critical Infrastructure Division to identify key natural gas facilities and ensure their readiness, granting them power priority during outages.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite improvements, Texas continues to face energy challenges:

  • Energy demand is increasing due to population growth, cryptocurrency mining, and AI data center development
  • Aging infrastructure remains a concern
  • Weatherization remains an ongoing process, with vulnerabilities becoming apparent during actual cold weather events
  • Some experts suggest the state's electricity market structure does not adequately incentivize power plant operators to produce sufficient energy
  • Many Texans report continued apprehension and extensive preparation for approaching cold weather, stemming from memories of the 2021 freeze

Utility Preparations

Electric utilities are implementing emergency operations plans, mobilizing staff, verifying weatherization measures, and securing fuel and equipment. Ice accumulation poses a risk to power lines, potentially adding weight that can cause breakage or bring down utility poles.

Austin Energy does not anticipate widespread power outages but continues to monitor and prepare. In Dallas, facilities at Fair Park will open as shelters for the homeless, with additional warming centers planned if widespread outages occur.

Travel and Safety Resources

The Texas Department of Transportation began treating roadways on Wednesday to prevent ice accumulation. Officials advise residents to remain home during the most severe weather conditions if possible.

Available resources for the public:

Previous Weather System Performance

A late January freeze in Texas, which resulted in at least 13 deaths statewide, tested the grid. The state did not experience widespread power outages during that event. Officials attribute this outcome partly to the storm's shorter duration and the grid-hardening measures implemented since 2021.

Scheduled Briefing

Governor Abbott is scheduled to hold a news conference on Thursday with various state officials, including ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas, to provide further updates on preparations.