ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch from January 24-27 due to forecasted below-freezing temperatures with the possibility of frozen precipitation across the ERCOT region, higher electrical demand, and the potential for lower reserves. Grid conditions are expected to be normal.

Elsewhere, Houston based CenterPoint energy has announced that they've activated their Emergency Operations Center ahead of the artic blast projected to hit Texas over the weekend.

CenterPoint Senior Vice President Don Daigler said in a press released announcing the activation, “Our CenterPoint teams are mobilized, performing pre-storm checks, and ready to respond to winter weather conditions on both the electric and gas systems. We have activated the company’s Emergency Operations Center and are coordinating with government and industry stakeholders to be ready to respond to any impacts from the forecasted conditions, including icy weather, strong winds, and wintry precipitation,”

Governor Greg Abbott has also directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of potential winter weather impacts expected across the state beginning Thursday.

“Based on current forecasts, the State of Texas is acting to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “As temperatures could drop below freezing and regions of Texas face snow, ice, and freezing rain, it is crucial that Texans remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance of state and local officials. I thank emergency management personnel and first responders for working tirelessly to keep Texans safe.”

According to the National Weather Service, an arctic cold front is expected to bring dangerously cold temperatures and wind-chills to the state through the early part of next week. Additionally, a storm system is expected to move through the state, bringing the possibility of freezing rain, sleet, and snow that could create hazardous travel conditions into the weekend and cause impacts to infrastructure. Areas most at risk of wintry weather are northwest, north, and northeast Texas. Freezing rain and sleet are more likely to impact areas across west, central, south-central, east, and southeast Texas. Cold rain is expected for areas in deep south Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire spoke out about the preparation efforts, and praised TXDOT for their work, saying, "We've been in touch with the state emergency center, they're monitoring, and prepositioning assets as we talk. TXDOT is so essential, and they've been wonderful partners."

At the direction of the Governor, TDEM has activated the following state emergency response resources to support weather response operations:

Texas Department of Transportation: Winter weather roadway equipment and crews pre-treating and treating roadways; personnel and equipment to assist with traffic control and road closures
Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team; personnel working with local partners to update warming center maps
Texas National Guard: High-profile vehicles and personnel to support stranded motorists
Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): All-Hazard Strike Teams consisting of firefighters, engines, and equipment such as motor graders to assist with snow/ice clearance; saw crews
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens to support local law enforcement; high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists
Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordinating with utility providers across the threat area
Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers to patrol Texas roadways
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Public Works Response Team): Personnel to assist with public works needs
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents
Texas Department of State Health Services (Emergency Medical Task Force): Winter and Severe Weather Packages including medics and ambulances
Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Personnel to provide information on available services through the 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network
Texas Education Agency: Monitoring school district needs across the state
Texas Department of Information Resources: Monitoring technology infrastructure

Texans are urged to stay weather-aware, check road conditions before any necessary travel, and follow instructions from local officials.

Texans can access winter weather safety tips by visiting TexasReady.gov, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, find warming centers opened and operated by local officials at tdem.texas.gov/warm, and find general preparedness information at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.

Centerpoint Energy has also announced they are taking precautions for the winter weather. The energy company says they are inspecting equipment, moving resources, and installing backup generators to prepare for any blackouts.

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