Texas is ready for winter weather: Gov. Abbott

AUSTIN, Texas - Emergency management teams at the state operations center in north Austin were busy tracking the winter weather that was moving into Texas. 

Governor Greg Abbott was briefed on the storm prep followed by this assessment.

"It looks like we're ready to go," said Gov. Abbott.

Images of all the snow that has fallen across the mid-west are not being ignored. Isolated power outages in Texas are possible, but the grid is expected to hold, according to Pablo Vegas, the head ERCOT.

"As a point of reference, we have added more than 10,000MW of new generation just this year since last winter. And so we've got more supply on the grid than we ever have had before. And we've been coordinating very closely with all the power generators and the transmission distribution utility companies over the last week in preparation for this upcoming weather event," said Vegas.

Statewide, more than 300 warming centers were open as of Wednesday, Jan. 8, according to Governor Abbott.

"Resources are staged across areas of concern. Responders are stocked with water, ready to eat meals and blankets and are prepared to transport stranded motorists to nearby warming stations," said Abbott. 

For the past several days, more than 2,000 TxDOT crews have been pre-treating major roadways. The agency is now in the process of transitioning into road clearing.

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"We do have more plows. We have more equipment. We have them staged across the state more strategically. And they're all staged and ready to go for this event," said Brian Barth, TxDOT deputy executive director.

Road crews from South Texas, according to Barth, have also been moved to north Texas to provide extra manpower.

"We have all of our resources focused from the I-10/20 split, running up I-20 all the way up through Texarkana, because that's where the current forecast shows our biggest threat," said TDEM Chief Nim Kidd. 

The wintry mix will hit as college football fans head to Dallas for Friday’s playoff game between the Longhorns and Ohio State. Roads around the AT&T stadium are expected to be open, although the governor said drivers need to be aware of possible slick spots.

"There should be no hindrance to people being able to attend the game. Obviously, with potential snow or icing conditions in the DFW area, on I-35, on I-20, on all the different interstates or roadways that lead to the Dallas-Fort Worth area is incredibly important that everybody drives extra safe. If you're very cautious and slow and methodical in your driving, everything's going to be just fine," said Gov. Abbott.

Central and south Texas may not get iced in, but Governor Abbott indicated residents in those parts of Texas should also be weather-wise. 

There is a concern that the rain in those regions could cause isolated flooding.  A warning was also issued about misusing heaters and power generators. Cases of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires can increase during winter events.