Gov. Greg Abbott Declares Disaster in 134 Texas Counties Amid Winter Storm
Governor Greg Abbott has officially declared a disaster in 134 counties across Texas as the state braces for an impending winter storm. This announcement came during a press briefing held on Thursday, where Abbott outlined the state’s preparedness and response measures.
Winter Weather Impact on Texas
Abbott specified that the northern two-thirds of Texas, extending from the Panhandle to San Antonio, is likely to experience the most severe weather conditions. This warning echoes concerns from the past, particularly referencing Winter Storm Uri, which devastated the state about five years ago, resulting in numerous fatalities.
Preparedness Measures
- Disaster declaration made for 134 Texas counties.
- Strong weather impact anticipated across northern Texas.
- Governor stresses the importance of preparedness.
While Abbott does not anticipate this storm to reach the catastrophic levels of Winter Storm Uri, he urged residents to take the situation seriously. “The severity of it is not quite as great… but people should be prepared,” he stated.
Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Readiness
According to Abbott, the state’s power grid, managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), is in a strong position to handle the storm. He asserted, “The ERCOT grid has never been stronger… and is fully capable of handling this winter storm.”
Local Power Outages
However, Abbott did warn of potential localized outages, particularly if rain transitions to ice. He made it clear that these outages would differ from any large-scale issues managed by ERCOT, saying, “Local power providers have never been more prepared for any weather storm ever.”
Weather Forecast in San Antonio
In San Antonio, the forecast indicates cold rain will persist throughout Saturday, with icy conditions expected to develop by Saturday night and last into Sunday morning. Residents are advised to stay updated on changes in the weather conditions to ensure safety and preparedness.
For ongoing updates, visit Filmogaz.com for the latest information on the storm and its impact on Texas. Stay safe during this winter weather event.