The Brief
- Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 134 counties as a severe winter storm threatens the state with life-threatening cold and ice starting Friday evening.
- State officials guarantee the Texas power grid is stable and prepared for record demand, though localized outages remain possible due to ice and falling tree branches.
- Travelers are urged to stay off the roads to allow emergency crews and TxDOT plows to work; warming centers are opening statewide for those who lose heat.
AUSTIN, Texas – Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday issued a disaster declaration for 134 counties as a “severe” winter storm prepares to sweep across the state, bringing life-threatening temperatures and hazardous precipitation beginning Friday and lasting through the weekend.
The governor urged Texans to finalize emergency preparations immediately, warning that the window for action will close by Friday evening. The declaration allows the state to deploy resources “quicker, faster, and better” to the hardest-hit areas, primarily the top two-thirds of the state from San Antonio to the Panhandle.
“Job number one is always protecting lives,” Abbott said during a press briefing. “You’re going to have the ability within your own hands to be able to save your own lives.”
What is a Disaster Declaration?
A disaster declaration is a formal move by the Governor or local leaders that activates emergency management plans. It facilitates access to state and federal assistance—including funding, personnel, and equipment—and allows the state to pre-position assets like the National Guard before the storm hits.
Grid Stability and Power Concerns
What they’re saying:…