Winter weather hits Texas counties

As cold weather hits Stephens County and throughout the state into this week, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for all 254 counties in response to the weather impacting the state. The state deployed resources to local officials to assist in their response efforts.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management was deployed by Abbott to provide resources to support winter weather response. One resource deployed was the Texas Department of Transportation which prepared roadways with preparation equipment, sent response crews and monitored the road conditions.

On Saturday, TxDOT gave an update on the weather situation and said the National Weather Service predicted widespread snow of 6-plus inches with many areas in the 6 to 8-inch range. Drivers can check the current conditions of roads and traffic cameras, visit the TxDOT resource website DriveTexas.com, or call 800-452-9292.

“Conditions on roadways can change rapidly, and even with proactive measures, the unpredictable and fast-changing severe Texas weather can still result in some ice accumulating. If you find yourself stranded or facing an emergency, call 9-1-1,” TxDOT wrote in the release Saturday.

The National Weather Service of Fort Worth Sunday, Feb. 14, issued a major winter storm alert with heavy snow expected in Young, Stephens, Jack, Palo Pinto and Eastland Counties from 10 a.m. to noon, with wind chills as low as 15 below zero which are life-threatening to people and animals without warmth, according to NWS. NWS expected 3-7 inches of snow accumulation across North and Central Texas with localized higher amounts.

Monday through Sunday NWS said Sunday to expect moderate to heavy snow which may linger east of the I-35 corridor Monday morning. There were more chances of snow arriving Tuesday night which will continue through early Thursday.

“Extremely cold conditions are expected through Wednesday, with lows in the single digits and teens and highs in the teens and 20s. Wind chills below zero are likely Sunday night through Tuesday morning and again on Thursday morning for areas west of I-3,” NWS wrote in their Sunday hazardous weather outlook alert.

Along with TxDOT, Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Military Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M Engineer Extension Service, the Public Utility Commission of Texas and Texas Animal Health Commission were activated for winter weather response.

“Governor Abbott urged Texans to stay off the roads if they can and immediately call 800-525-5555 for roadside assistance if they become stranded on the road,” Gov. Abbott wrote in a Sunday update. “The Texas Department of Public Safety has activated over 3,000 troopers that are working 24/7 to assist communities with their response. The Texas Military Department has also deployed Guardsmen to perform welfare checks in remote areas of the state.”

Gov. Abbott updated the state Sunday stating that snow and ice were expected throughout the state and ultra-low temperatures through the upcoming week which will result in road closures and dangerous driving conditions. He announced Sunday he would request a Federal Emergency Declaration from the White House to make additional resources available for communities impacted.

"Every part of the state will face freezing conditions over the coming days, and I urge all Texans to remain vigilant against the extremely harsh weather that is coming," Gov. Abbott said Sunday. "Stay off the roads, take conscious steps to conserve energy, and avoid dangerous practices like bringing generators indoors or heating homes with ovens or stovetops. Our emergency response to this winter weather requires a collective approach between state agencies, local officials, and Texans throughout our communities to ensure the safety and security of the Lone Star State."

He added that power companies were set to have crew in place on Monday and Tuesday in preparation for the weather and other states had deployed crews to assist with power outages. The Texas Railroad Commission also suspended regulations for access to gas to ensure churches, hospitals, residences, and other human resource facilities have access.

“The State of Texas is asking Texans to begin conserving energy now to ensure power and energy are available early next week by unplugging devices when not in use, closing windows and blinds, and adjusting thermostats to 68 degrees or below. The Governor and Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd also discussed the increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in such conditions and urged Texans to avoid heating their homes with ovens or stovetops and only use generators or grills outdoors and away from windows,” the release from Gov. Abbott Sunday states.