Nearly five years after Winter Storm Uri devastated Texas, state and local officials say they are better prepared as another round of severe winter weather bears down on much of the state. An arctic blast is expected to arrive Friday, bringing dangerously cold temperatures along with the potential for snow, sleet and freezing rain through early next week.
Disaster Declaration and Weather Outlook
Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that he issued a disaster declaration for more than 130 counties. He said the northern two-thirds of Texas — stretching from the Panhandle to areas as far south as San Antonio — is expected to see the worst conditions.
Abbott emphasized that while the storm is not expected to rival the scale of Winter Storm Uri, Texans should still take it seriously. Officials do not anticipate widespread power outages, though localized outages remain possible if ice or falling tree branches damage power lines.
State and Local Preparations Underway
State agencies have ramped up preparations, including coordinating with local governments on warming centers and monitoring water and wastewater systems. Firefighters, state troopers and National Guard teams have been positioned across the state.
The Texas Department of Transportation began treating roadways earlier this week to prevent ice buildup. TxDOT officials said the agency will operate at peak capacity with about 5,000 personnel and hundreds of vehicles statewide.
Law enforcement leaders urged residents to stay off roads if possible during the worst conditions. The Texas Department of Public Safety and the National Guard are prepared to respond to crashes, assist stranded motorists, and deliver food and water if needed.
Is the Power Grid Ready?
Concerns about the electrical grid loom whenever Texas faces extreme weather. Officials and energy experts say the grid is in stronger shape than it was in 2021. ERCOT CEO Pablo Vargas said the agency does not expect reliability issues and projects enough power to meet demand through the weekend.
Experts point to increased generation capacity — particularly from solar, wind and battery storage — as well as stricter weatherization requirements for natural gas facilities enacted after Uri. State regulators inspected more than 7,400 natural gas facilities last year, and Abbott said Texas has ample natural gas supply.
Utilities, Cities Prepare for Ice Risks
Even with improved grid conditions, ice remains a major threat to power lines. Utilities across the state say crews are on standby to restore service quickly. Recent investments in stronger poles and expanded vegetation management aim to reduce outages, though officials acknowledge ice-related damage is difficult to prevent entirely.
Cities are also preparing warming centers. Dallas officials plan to open facilities at Fair Park for people experiencing homelessness and, if needed, additional sites with backup generators — a major upgrade since Uri.
While officials remain cautious, many say current forecasts fall short of a worst-case scenario, and they continue to monitor conditions closely as the storm approaches.
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.