Texans are preparing themselves for a winter storm predicted to be unlike anything they’ve seen in decades.
A polar vortex will bring temperatures in the Lone Star State to below zero in the coming days, according to the National Weather Service. The service has issued a winter storm warning for the entire state.
In Houston, the NWS issued a wind chill warning for the first time in the city. Even as far south as San Antonio, residents are expected to receive two-to-three inches between Sunday and Monday morning.
Electricity companies Oncor and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas have encouraged their customers to reduce electric use as much as possible. In a statement, Oncor suggested customers turn down thermostats to 68 degrees, avoid using large appliances, and turn off and unplug nonessential lights and appliances.
Hundreds of flights across the state were canceled on Sunday amid the weather warnings. A total of 767 flights were canceled at Dallas-Fort Worth International, with 117 flights canceled at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and 305 canceled at George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport, according to Flight Aware.
Winter weather is forecasted over the next few days across Central Texas & is impacting some flights. If you’re traveling with us, please connect with your airline regarding flight status.
?You can also visit https://t.co/cjMSFYBJ4W to see current flight information.
— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (@AUStinAirport) February 14, 2021
On Friday, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for all of the state’s 254 counties.
“Every part of Texas will face freezing conditions,” Abbott said on Saturday, adding that the storm is “unprecedented in Texas history, and people across the state need to get ready for the extremely harsh conditions coming.”
“The temperature will go so low and remain so low for so long, it means there will be many roads across the state that will be extremely dangerous and treacherous to drive on,” he said.
President Biden approved an emergency declaration for Texas by Sunday evening, unlocking federal assistance to help state and local officials responding to the winter storm.
Already-icy roads have caused many accidents in the state. Several people have died in crashes, including six who died in a pile-up that involved more than 100 vehicles.
