Austin News

Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference today to provide an update on the State of Texas' response to the severe winter weather conditions expected to impact the state in the coming days. The Governor urged Texans to be prepared for below freezing temperatures, freezing rain, strong winds, and icing conditions. He emphasized the importance of staying indoors and avoiding unnecessary travel until the winter storm has passed.

During the press conference, Governor Abbott expressed his appreciation for the efforts of state and local officials in keeping Texans safe during this extreme weather event. He stated, "The State of Texas is working tirelessly to keep Texans safe and warm as an extraordinarily cold weather system begins to impact our state."

Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) President and CEO Pablo Vegas and Railroad Commission of Texas Commissioner Christi Craddick also spoke at the press conference. Mr. Vegas assured Texans that the state's electric grid and natural gas supply are better prepared than ever before and will remain reliable throughout the severe winter weather event. Chairwoman Craddick reminded Texans to use natural gas safely and avoid using propane tanks and generators indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd advised Texans to check their emergency supplies and ensure they have enough food stocked up. He also urged Texans to report any power outages to their local providers. TDEM has increased the readiness level of the Texas State Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response) to effectively respond to the winter weather conditions.

Governor Abbott also stressed the importance of taking precautions to prevent pipes from bursting. He encouraged Texans to take action now to protect their homes from potential damage.

Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org and find cold weather resources at tdem.texas.gov/disasters/january-2024-winter-weather. Warming center information can be found at tdem.texas.gov/warm, and local power outages can be reported at puc.texas.gov/storm.

In conclusion, Governor Abbott stated, "Texans should remain weather-aware and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this severe winter weather event. We are committed to keeping Texans informed and providing the necessary resources to mitigate the impact of this extreme weather."