Texas is preparing for a severe winter storm after Governor Greg Abbott declared a statewide emergency late Tuesday, days before hazardous weather is expected to arrive. Forecasts indicate that large parts of the state will face freezing rain, sleet, snow, and dangerously low wind chills, with the most severe conditions expected to begin Thursday.
Texas Statewide Emergency Declared Ahead of Storm
According to the governor’s office, northwest, north, and northeast Texas are likely to experience the heaviest impacts, including wind chills dropping below zero. Announcing the emergency declaration, Abbott said the state is taking early action to ensure communities are prepared before conditions deteriorate.
“The State of Texas is acting to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities,” Abbott said in an official release.
While much of the state could see impacts starting Thursday, southeast Texas, including the Houston area, is expected to feel the effects later. ABC13 meteorologists reported that winter weather could reach the region by Saturday.
State Agencies Mobilized Across Texas
Following the emergency declaration, Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to immediately activate state resources. Multiple agencies have been placed on high alert to manage transportation, power, health, and public safety concerns.
- The Texas Department of Transportation has deployed crews and equipment to pre-treat roadways, manage closures, and assist motorists.
- The Texas National Guard is preparing high-profile vehicles to rescue stranded drivers.
- The Texas A&M Forest Service has sent strike teams equipped with graders and saw crews to help clear ice-damaged roads.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety is coordinating the overall statewide response.
In addition, Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens are assisting local law enforcement with motorist aid and emergency response.
Weather Outlook and Power Grid Monitoring
The National Weather Service reports an arctic cold front sweeping across Texas beginning Thursday, creating dangerous travel conditions that could last through the weekend. While Deep South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley are expected to see cold rain, west and central Texas face a higher risk of freezing precipitation.
Although no power outages have been reported so far, state leaders remain cautious. Memories of the deadly 2021 winter freeze, which caused widespread blackouts and resulted in more than 250 deaths, remain fresh. Abbott emphasized the importance of staying weather-aware as conditions evolve.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas is closely monitoring the situation alongside ERCOT, which has stated that the power grid remains stable, even as electricity demand is expected to increase early next week. The Railroad Commission of Texas is tracking natural gas supplies to ensure adequate fuel for power generation.
Health, Education, and Infrastructure Preparedness
Several agencies are addressing potential impacts beyond roads and power:
- The Texas Department of State Health Services has deployed Emergency Medical Task Force medics and ambulances.
- The Health and Human Services Commission is staffing 2-1-1 to provide Texans with information on available services.
- The Texas Education Agency is monitoring school-related needs.
- The Department of Information Resources is working to protect critical technology infrastructure.
- The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service has public works teams on standby, while AgriLife Extension Service is advising farmers on protecting livestock.
First responders across the state are working extended hours as the storm approaches.
Texans Urged to Prepare Now
Governor Abbott thanked emergency personnel for their continued efforts and urged residents to prepare immediately. Texans are advised to stock emergency kits with water, blankets, and phone chargers, secure shelter for pets, and avoid unnecessary travel once conditions worsen.
Residents can check DriveTexas.org for road conditions and visit the TDEM website to find nearby warming centers.
Past winter storms in Texas have caused widespread power outages, burst pipes, and flooded homes, but state officials say preparations are more robust this time. Crews have pre-positioned salt trucks, generators, and emergency equipment across key regions in anticipation of the storm.
As freezing temperatures and winter precipitation approach, state officials say Texas is better prepared—but caution that public awareness and early preparation remain critical.
