HOUSTON — Texas is bracing for a series of extreme weather events, ranging from wildfires in West Texas to freezing temperatures across the state.
It could be the coldest weather event in the state’s recorded history. Gov. Greg Abbott, along with key state officials, addressed the public on Monday to outline preparedness measures and emphasize the importance of public safety.
In Southeast Texas, freezing temperatures on Wednesday night and Thursday night are the biggest concern. ERCOT issued a Weather Watch from Wednesday through Friday due to the extreme cold weather.
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According to KHOU 11 Meteorologist Pat Cavlin, this week’s winter front will not be a repeat of 2021 because the Southeast Texas region isn’t expected to be a long-term deep freeze. Wednesday night into Thursday morning is expected to be the coldest period as temperatures could dip to the upper 20s. The only other night that it could dip below freezing in the Houston area would be Thursday night into Friday morning.
Cavlin said flooding isn’t expected as a round of storms moves through on Tuesday.
Another statewide concern lies in West Texas, where dry conditions and high winds are fueling wildfire risks from El Paso to Pecos.
The most significant threat is the impending Arctic front that’s expected to bring record-breaking cold temperatures across the state beginning Tuesday morning. North and Northwest Texas could see wind chills plummet to zero or even below zero degrees. By Wednesday and Thursday, widespread freezing is anticipated, with temperatures potentially dropping near zero degrees in some areas, accompanied by dangerously low wind chill factors.
“When temperatures get that cold, lives are at risk,” Abbott said.
He urged all Texans to take precautions, limit exposure to the cold and protect themselves, their families and their pets. If stranded on the side of the road, Texans can call 1-800-525-5555 for assistance.
Power grid preparedness
A key concern for Texans is the reliability of the power grid during the extreme cold. ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas said that they “expect to have adequate supply to meet demand” and that the grid is more prepared than ever before. He cited weatherization efforts, fuel supply and the addition of over 13,500 MW of new power generation since the 2021 winter storm as contributing factors. Thomas Gleason, chair of the Public Utilities Commission, echoed Vegas’ confidence, reporting that generators have confirmed adequate fuel supplies.
Abbott also described the role each state department would play in the preparation and response to the weather threat.
Readiness and response
The state is mobilizing resources across multiple agencies to mitigate the impact of the extreme weather. Key actions include:
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State Emergency Operations Center readiness level has been elevated to Level Two — an escalated response.
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT): Over 450 TxDOT personnel are pre-treating roads, bridges and overpasses with over 400,000 gallons of brine and 10,000 cubic yards of granular material. They are also prepared to manage road closures and traffic safety.
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: TDEM is collaborating with local partners to ensure warming centers are available statewide. A list of warming centers is available on the TDEM website.
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service: Deploying public works teams to affected regions.
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Monitoring air, water, and wastewater.
- Public Utilities Commission: Working with utility providers to track and respond to power outages.
- Railroad Commission: Monitoring the natural gas supply.
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Deploying Highway Patrol troopers to patrol roadways in affected regions.
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Deploying game wardens to support local law enforcement.
- Texas Education Agency: Monitoring school district needs across the state.
- National Guard: Prepared to respond as needed on a 24-hour basis.
Safety reminders
Officials emphasized the importance of preparing homes and taking precautions against frozen pipes. Residents are encouraged to locate their water shut-off valve and learn how to use it. Additionally, they warned against the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from improper use of heating devices. Fuel-burning heaters and generators should only be used outdoors with proper ventilation.
Texans are urged to stay informed, monitor weather conditions, and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this period of extreme weather.