Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott reassured Texans of the strength and reliability of the state’s power grid as the State braces for a significant winter storm. During a press conference at the State Operations Center in Austin, the Governor provided an update on the state’s emergency preparedness for multiple weather threats, including wildfires in West Texas, flash flooding in East Texas, and a deep freeze expected to bring the coldest temperatures of the year across the state.
“Today is an example of how weather can change in Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “In the next few hours and for the remainder of today into tomorrow, we are dealing with fire-based concerns in the West Texas region. After that, there will be a storm that will bring heavy rain into East Texas, especially in Southeast Texas, where we will monitor potential flash flooding. And then what will likely be the coldest weather event of the year will come. There will be widespread freezing across the entire state, with temperatures near zero degrees.”
Governor Abbott urged Texans to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from the incoming extreme cold while reaffirming that the state’s power grid is prepared to handle the demand. He emphasized that the grid has been reinforced and is ready to withstand the winter weather.
The Governor was joined by key state officials, including Chief Nim Kidd of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), Executive Director Marc Williams of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), CEO Pablo Vegas of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), and Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chair Thomas Gleeson. Together, they outlined the state’s emergency response efforts, including mobilizing resources and personnel across Texas to address potential impacts from severe weather.
Governor Abbott directed multiple state agencies—including TDEM, TxDOT, ERCOT, PUC, the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas National Guard—to be fully prepared for the extreme conditions. He also underscored the importance of public safety and encouraged Texans to stay informed through official state resources.
As part of the emergency response, Texas has deployed over 2,000 state responders, over 1,500 vehicles and equipment assets, and activated warming centers statewide to assist needy residents.
Texans are encouraged to stay updated by visiting the TDEM Disaster Portal for winter weather information, checking TexasReady.gov for safety tips, and monitoring road conditions at DriveTexas.org. Those in need of warmth can find the nearest warming center by visiting tdem.texas.gov/warm.
With freezing temperatures on the horizon, Governor Abbott’s message was clear: the state is prepared, and the power grid is ready.
