Texas is bracing for an Arctic blast expected to sweep across the state, with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issuing a Weather Watch in anticipation of freezing temperatures that will likely lead to higher electrical demand and the possibility of lower reserves. The Weather Watch is set to begin Monday, Jan 20, and is projected to last until Thursday, Jan 23. Despite the foreseen surge in electrical demand, ERCOT anticipates normal grid conditions and does not expect any energy emergencies, as reported by KVUE.
To avoid the forming of roads of ice, crews from the Texas Department of Transportation have started pretreating major corridors with a saltwater solution. These crews also remind drivers, if seeing a truck laying down the material, to maintain a distance of approximately 200 feet for safety. The preparations come as forecasters predict a possible light wintry mix for Central Texas, as detailed by KXAN. Moreover, looking to preserve outdoor spaces, the Austin Parks and Recreation Department is also taking measures like announcing the closure of city pools for winterization and the shutdown of park restrooms and drinking fountains beginning Saturday mid-morning, with a planned reopening on Thursday.
As a proactive safety measure, the City of Austin is opening overnight cold shelters from Saturday night, remaining open nightly until at least Wednesday, and will allow those who stay overnight Sunday to remain throughout Monday given the forecast. Registration for the shelters will be available each day between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at One Texas Center, located at 505 Barton Springs Road. Details on shelter registration and safety tips for the cold weather have been provided, in a statement obtained by KXAN.
