Governor Abbott Updates Texans on Weather Threats Ahead

AUSTIN, TX — During a press conference, Governor Greg Abbott gave an update on how Texas is responding to wildfires in West Texas, the chance of flash flooding in East Texas, and the severe winter weather hitting parts of the state. This followed a briefing with state officials at the State Operations Center in Austin.

“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’s going to be a storm coming in that will bring heavy rain into East Texas, especially in Southeast Texas, where we will monitor potential flash flooding in those areas. And then is going to come what will likely be the coldest weather event of the year. There will be widespread freezing across the entire state with temperatures down to near zero degrees. People need to be very cautious over the coming days as temperatures plummet, so make sure that you take care of yourself.”

Watch the Governor's full press conference here. 

Governor Abbott was joined at the press conference by Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Executive Director Marc Williams, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) CEO Pablo Vegas, and Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chair Thomas Gleeson.

During the press conference, the Governor directed multiple state agencies—including TDEM, TxDOT, ERCOT, PUC, Texas Commission of Environmental Quality, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Education Agency, and the Texas National Guard—to prepare for the multiple weather threats that could impact Texas communities. The Governor also urged caution of exposure to ultra-cold temperatures that risk the safety of Texans. Additionally, the Governor reassured Texans on the stability and resiliency of the Texas power grid to perform during severe winter weather.  

Last Friday, Governor Abbott directed TDEM to activate state emergency response resources ahead of increased severe weather threats this weekend. Texas has deployed more than 2,000 state responders and more than 1,500 vehicles and equipment assets, and more than a dozen state agencies are currently responding to this winter weather threat across Texas.

Texans are encouraged to visit the TDEM Disaster Portal for winter weather information. Texans can also locate winter weather safety tips by visiting TexasReady.gov, find warming centers opened and operated by local officials at tdem.texas.gov/warm, and check road conditions at DriveTexas.org.