An arctic cold front is expected to bring the coldest temperatures of the season to North Texas this week.
DALLAS — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott received a briefing and state officials are providing an update Monday on the preparations for and response to an arctic cold front that’s expected to bring the coldest temperatures of the season and the potential for wintry precipitation.
Abbott, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Transportation Executive Director Marc Williams, Electric Reliability Council of Texas CEO Pablo Vegas, Public Utility Commission chair Thomas Gleeson and other state officials are discussing the statewide response.
The arctic front is expected to bring the coldest air of the season to North Texas this week with temperatures expected to fall into the teens and single digits Wednesday and Thursday morning. Before that, there’s a chance of a light wintry precipitation mix Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
WFAA has issued Weather Alert Days for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday because of the freezing temperatures and the potential for wintry mix.
Watch the full press conference here:
Abbott warned Texans to take precautions against what is expected to be the “coldest weather event of the year.”
“Actually in some places in the state of Texas, it may be the coldest event ever marked in history in the state of Texas,” Abbott said. “There will be widespread freezing across almost the entire state of Texas.”
Abbott urged Texans to begin making preparations for the freezing temperatures, including covering and protecting pipes, and knowing how to shut off water if needed.
He said more than 400 Texas Department of Transportation staff prepared for the weather by pre-treating roadways, bridges and overpasses with more than 400,000 gallons of brine this past weekend. He said crews will also be deployed to continue to treat and maintain roadways, with a focus on North Texas as the temperatures drop.
Abbott said officials will also be preparing warming centers across the state.
Kidd also said the cold weather and wind chills will be the top concern for state officials.
“We’re really going to focus on taking care of our people, our pipes and our pets,” he said.
The Public Utility Commission will monitor any power outages and coordinate with utility providers and the Railroad Commission is monitoring the natural gas supply during the storm, he said.
Vegas said he expects the power grid operator will have adequate supply to meet demand during the arctic blast and any outages are expected to be local from issues like damage to lines.
“Some of the most impactful changes we’ve made over the last few years, like weatherization, continue to be a highly effective tool that we continue to see great results from,” he said.
“The bottom line is the power grid…has never been more prepared for a winter storm like this,” Abbott added.
Williams asked drivers to keep aware of weather conditions.
