Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Emergency Management to activate emergency response resources in preparation for severe winter weather that is anticipated to hit the state’s West, North, and Central regions.
For the remainder of the week, a large portion of the state can expect ongoing freezing and below-freezing temperatures, with accumulating snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain possible in some regions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Fort Worth has issued a Winter Storm Warning for multiple counties in North and Central Texas, including Cook, Grayson, Fannin, Lamar, Wise, Denton, Collin, Hunt, Delta, Hopkins, Parker, Tarrant, Dallas, and Rockwall. The warning is in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday through noon Friday.
Residents in these areas could see heavy mixed precipitation transitioning to all snow on Thursday evening, with snow accumulations between two to four inches. Some areas could top eight inches or more. The heaviest snowfall is expected north of the DFW metroplex.
“With below-freezing temperatures beginning to impact large portions of the state, Texas is increasing the readiness level of the State Operations Center to ensure resources are swiftly deployed to communities,” Abbott said in a January 7 press release.
“As the State of Texas mobilizes the emergency response resources Texans need to stay safe and warm, I urge everyone to remain weather-aware, regularly monitor road conditions before traveling, and heed guidance from state and local officials. I thank all the first responders and emergency management personnel for their efforts to help Texas communities brace for winter weather,” he added.
Some of the state agencies that will be working throughout the weather event include the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which will monitor power outages and coordinate with utility providers in affected areas, and the Railroad Commission of Texas, which has been tasked with monitoring the state’s natural gas supply and communicating with the oil and gas industry as needed. The Texas A&M Forest Service will also have equipment and personnel ready to assist with clearing ice and snow.
The Texas Department of Transportation will pre-treat and treat roadways and assist with traffic control and road closures. Game wardens with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas National Guard members have been requested to be ready to assist stranded motorists.
The NWS urges motorists to delay travel if possible.
“If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. … Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order,” the NWS cautioned.
‘Texans can 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,” the governor’s press release stated.