As winter weather continues to move across much of Texas, and the possible accumulations of ice, the Public Utility Commission of Texas is urging Texans to monitor and report local power outages that could result from downed lines.
“We expect to have sufficient generation to meet the power demands of Texas during this winter weather,” said Peter Lake, PUCT Chairman. “Our biggest concern is power line safety, especially in areas that experience icing. Ice can weigh down lines and topple tree limbs causing local power outages.”
Texans can use the PUCT’s storm resources information on the agency’s website to monitor local outage maps, find contact information to report local outages to electricity providers and useful safety tips.
Texans are also reminded never to approach downed power lines. Downed lines can still be energized and can energize the surrounding ground, structures, or materials, such as fences, trees, debris, or vehicles. If anyone should encounter downed power lines, move to a safe distance, and contact your local authorities immediately.
PUCT personnel has and will continue to monitor this winter weather around the clock, working closely with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and partner agencies including the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Railroad Commission of Texas and others to ensure the safety of the people of Texas.
Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to increase the readiness level of the State Operations Center to Level II Escalated Response as the winter weather progresses impacting large portions of Texas today through Thursday.
“The State of Texas is working tirelessly to ensure Texans and their communities have the resources, assistance, and support needed to respond to winter weather impacts across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “As we mobilize the resources Texans need to stay safe, I encourage everyone to remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance from local officials. I want to thank all the first responders and emergency management personnel helping Texas communities prepare and stay safe during this severe weather.”
The National Weather Service forecasts wintry mix, primarily freezing rain until Thursday in west, central, and north Texas, with sub-freezing temperatures expected throughout the week. Heavy rainfall and flash flood potential is in the forecast for Wednesday and Thursday in central, east, and southeast Texas.
The following state agencies have been requested by TDEM to report to the SOC: Texas Department of Transportation, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Railroad Commission of Texas, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas National Guard, Texas Education Agency, Texas Department of Information Resources.
At the Governor’s direction, the following state emergency response resources have been mobilized: TxDOT: Winter weather roadway equipment and crews pre-treating and treating roadways, including roadway condition monitoring.
TDEM: State Mass Care Coordination personnel working with local partners to update warming center maps; Communications Coordination Group is engaging with telecommunications partners.
Texas National Guard: Fourwheel drive vehicles and personnel responding to support stranded motorists.
Texas A&M Forest Service: Motor graders and personnel to assist with snow/ice clearance and saw crews to assist with removal of downed trees.
PUC: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers.
RRC: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry.
TCEQ: Personnel to monitor drinking water, wastewater, and air quality.
DPS: Personnel patrolling roadways.
DSHS: Texas Emergency Medical Task Force severe weather packages.
Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org and locate cold weather resources by visiting tdem.texas.gov/disasters/ january-2023-winter-storm.