As Texas braces for harsh winter weather, Governor Greg Abbott has set the gears of state emergency responses into motion. With forecasts predicting temperatures plummeting below freezing and an onslaught of snow, ice, and freezing rain, Abbott's administration underscored the importance of pre-emptive measures and vigilance, telling Texans, "It is crucial that everyone remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance of state and local officials," according to a statement released by his office.
Tackling the impending cold snap head-on, the state's emergency strategy includes activating the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), which calls for state departments like the Texas Department of Transportation to respond with winter weather equipment and road treatment crews; they have already laid down more than 500,000 gallons of brine and about 800 cubic yards of granular material to manage icy road conditions, and over the weekend, the deployment of more than 700 personnel in anticipation of what’s to come was reported. Texans are advised to keep abreast of the latest local weather reports, ensure they know the roads they intend to travel, and follow the guidance issued by emergency officials.
Emergency assets in the Texas armory stand prepared, with high-profile vehicles and personnel from the Texas National Guard at the ready to support stranded motorists, as well as Texas A&M Forest Service's saw crews and motor graders for snow and ice clearance. Apart from the immediate road-related resources, an array of state institutions, including the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Railroad Commission of Texas, are on standby to monitor power outages and natural gas supplies, ensuring that these vital services remain uninterrupted during the winter weather onslaught.
As the cold weather intensifies, Texans can find comfort and safety in the warming centers set up and operated by local authorities, which are listed at tdem.texas.gov/warm; for road conditions and safe travel advice, DriveTexas.org is the designated online hub, and for general winter weather preparedness, TexasReady.gov offers valuable tips to help residents weather the storm.
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