Gov. Abbott updates ongoing response to severe winter weather in Texas

AUSTIN - Texas Governor Greg Abbott was briefed Wednesday morning on the latest in the severe winter weather that will affect a large area of the state. He held a news conference in Austin.

The Governor was joined by Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Transportation Deputy Executive Director Brian Barth, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) CEO Pablo Vegas, Public Utility Commission Chair Thomas Gleeson, and other state officials and emergency management personnel.

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," said Gov. Greg Abbot on Wednesday morning.

"We're dealing with very cold and below-freezing temperatures that will remain in place across much of the state, especially in the northern half of the state of Texas where high temperatures are struggling to get out of the 30s. Rain, sleet, and snow will begin to push into West Texas this afternoon and will continue to spread eastward, impacting west, central north and northeast Texas through Friday morning," Abbott said. 

"Potentially significant road impacts in the form of snow, ice and accumulations may occur from West Texas through the big country, Concho Valley and the northern hill country. Higher snowfall amounts are forecast to occur around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and over much of northeast Texas."

"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," said Gov. Abbott.

Warming Centers Across the State

According to Gov. Abbott, there are more than 345 warming centers opened by local officials across the state. Find them at www.tdem.texas.gov/warm. The public can call 211 or visit 211texas.org to find their closest warming center. 

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Maintaining Power in Texas

ERCOT officials say they do expect to have more than adequate supply of power to serve the state throughout this winter event. More than 10,000 megawatts of new generation this year, since last winter. There is more supply in the grid than ever before. 

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 at DriveTexas.org.

Winter Storm Warning

What we know:

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. 

The National Weather Service expects heavy mixed precipitation with a transition to all snow on Thursday evening. Total snow accumulations will be between 2 and 4 inches. The NWS says isolated snowfall amounts could top 8 inches within more intense bands of snow.

Another aspect of a warning is what this weather will impact. Travel could be very difficult for the Thursday morning and evening commutes. 

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 Watch

The National Weather Service has also issued a Winter Storm Watch which remains in effect from now through Friday night.

What they're saying:

Heavy mixed precipitation is possible with a transition to snow expected late Thursday. Total snow and sleet accumulations of up to two inches and ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch are possible.

Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes.

Dig deeper:

Texans can locate winter weather safety tips by visiting TexasReady.gov, find warming centers opened and operated by local officials at tdem.texas.gov/warm, and check road conditions at DriveTexas.org.

Severe WeatherGreg AbbottTexas