Texas weather: Gov. Abbott speaks on state's response to arctic cold front

Abbott speaks on upcoming arctic blast

Governor Greg Abbott spoke about the state's response to the severe winter weather expected to impact Texas from this weekend into next week.

AUSTIN, Texas - The state of Texas is gearing up to face its coldest weather of the season so far. Governor Greg Abbott says the state is prepared.

The arctic cold front now appears to be arriving earlier than anticipated.

"There will be ultra cold temperatures, and we need to make sure everyone in the state of Texas is aware of what's coming," said Governor Abbott.

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City of Austin and Travis County officials spoke Thursday about their preparations for the hard freeze. They also urged people to prepare now and make a plan for people, pipes, pets and plants.

Gov. Abbott met with state officials on Friday, Jan. 12, to discuss the state’s readiness for the upcoming freezing temperatures. The main focus is the power grid.

"I know a lot of people are concerned: is the power going to stay on?" said Gov. Abbott.

Gov. Abbott talks about state response to arctic cold front

Governor Greg Abbott speaks about the state's response to the severe winter weather expected to impact Texas from this weekend into next week.

The governor says he feels good about the current status of the Texas power grid and ERCOT’s ability to ensure the lights stay on. President and CEO of ERCOT Pablo Vegas agrees.

"We are using every tool in our toolbox to make sure the grid is going to be absolutely ready and prepared to deliver energy to all Texans throughout this weather event," said Vegas.

However, the governor says while everything looks good at the moment, there will be two time periods where power availability will be tight. Those project times are in the morning hours of Tuesday, Jan. 16 and Wednesday, Jan. 17.

"ERCOT explained we should have sufficient power to make it through that time period. I just want to do everything possible to be transparent to all Texans just to know, as we sit here on Friday knowing things could change over the next few days," said Gov. Abbott.

Texas weather: Power outage tips

Central Texans are no strangers to losing power during arctic blasts. So what's the best way to plan ahead for power outages? Robert Keys, from Abacus Plumbing, joins us with some tips to get through the upcoming hard freeze.

Right now, ERCOT is under a weather watch due to the expected conditions and energy demand. There is currently no call for conservation, but it could change as the temperatures drop. All in all, the governor says ERCOT is ready to supply power to Texans.

"[ERCOT has] never been as prepared for a winter event as they are today," said Gov. Abbott.

Texas will open 152 warming centers across the state. Austin has three that will be activated starting Sunday, Jan. 14, and run through Tuesday, Jan. 16, at three Austin Public Library locations:

Little Walnut Creek Branch: 835 W. Rundberg Ln.
Ruiz Branch: 1600 Grove Blvd.
Terrazas Branch: 1105 E. Cesar Chavez St.

More information can be found here.

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