Governor Abbott Provides Update On Texas’ Ongoing Response To Severe Winter Weather

AUSTIN, TX -- Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update on Texas’ ongoing response to severe winter weather expected to impact large portions of the state this weekend following a briefing with state officials at the State Operations Center in Austin. The Governor also issued a disaster declaration for 134 counties to ensure that every necessary resource is made available to Texans.

“Whenever we go through any type of disaster, job number one is always protecting lives,” said Governor Abbott. "Because of the severity of this storm, right now I am making a disaster declaration covering 134 counties across the state of Texas to make sure that every possible resource can be made available to those communities so the state can respond quicker, faster, and better than ever before. We have an outstanding team that is already prepared, already responding, to make sure that, even though we're going to go through a harsh winter storm, we're going to make it through this process."

During his remarks, the Governor emphasized the importance of road safety, encouraging Texans to remain off the road unless absolutely necessary. Governor Abbott also touted the additional natural gas capabilites of the state's electrical grid, noting that the ERCOT grid has never been stronger or more prepared and is fully capable of handling this winter storm. Additionally, the Governor called on all Texans to gather resources and provisions needed to prepare for below freezing temperatures, snow, rain, and sleet, through the next few days.

Watch the Governor's press conference here.

Governor Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to increase the readiness level of the Texas State Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response). Earlier this week, Governor Abbott directed TDEM to activate state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe winter weather.

Additionally, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a waiver allowing commercial truck drivers transporting goods like propane, groceries, and other essential products, to operate outside maximum driving hour requirements, helping to ensure the delivery and availability of critical resources to Texans throughout the state during this weather event. This waiver will be active for five days, and drivers will still be subject to all other commercial vehicle laws and regulations.

Texans are encouraged to visit the TDEM Disaster Portal for winter weather information. Texans can also locate winter weather safety tips by visiting TexasReady.gov, find warming centers opened and operated by local officials at tdem.texas.gov/warm, and check road conditions at DriveTexas.org.