GOV. ABBOTT ENCOURAGES TEXANS TO PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER

  

On Friday, Governor Greg Abbott provided an update on the State of Texas’ response to severe winter weather conditions expected to impact large portions of the state this weekend into next week following a briefing with state officials at the State Operations Center in Austin.

Texans in the North, Central, and South regions of the state should prepare for below freezing temperatures, wind-chills, freezing rain, strong wind, and icing conditions through Wednesday.
 
The Governor said, “The State of Texas is working tirelessly to keep Texans safe and warm as an extraordinarily cold weather system begins to impact our state.”

He added that  Texans are urged to be prepared for a multi-long period of extreme cold weather and avoid going outside until this winter storm system has passed.

Abbott also encourage motorists to stay off the roads. If driving is necessary, motorists are encouraged to remain cautious and check DriveTexas.org to receive the most up-to-date road conditions.   
 
During the update, the Governor urged Texans to remain weather-aware, avoid going outside in freezing temperatures unless absolutely necessary, and utilize warming centers. Governor Abbott also emphasized that with these freezing temperatures, Texans should begin taking action now before the weather hits to prevent pipes from bursting.
  
Earlier this week, Governor Abbott directed TDEM to increase the readiness level of the Texas State Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response).