Governor Greg Abbott on Wednesday ordered activation of state emergency response resources across Texas as the National Weather Service forecast an arctic cold front bringing freezing rain, sleet, snow, and dangerously low wind chills starting Thursday.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management began coordinating support for local authorities ahead of the cold front, which is expected to affect most regions through early next week. The National Weather Service warned temperatures could drop below freezing across large parts of the state, with wind chills posing risks of hypothermia and frostbite for people and animals exposed to the elements.
A storm system moving with the cold front may produce freezing rain, sleet, and snow, especially in northwest, north, and northeast Texas, while west, central, south-central, east, and southeast Texas face a higher chance of ice accumulation. Deep south Texas and the Rio Grande Valley are forecast to see cold rain.
State officials cautioned that icy conditions could make highways, bridges, and overpasses hazardous and may cause ice buildup on power lines, trees, and infrastructure. Abbott urged residents to monitor forecasts, check road conditions on DriveTexas.org, and follow guidance from local authorities.
Under Abbott’s direction, TDEM staged personnel and equipment strategically to support search and rescue, road clearing, and shelter operations. Transportation crews pretreated roads, bridges, and overpasses in high-risk areas. Local governments reviewed warming center and shelter plans, and residents were advised to protect pets and livestock, insulate pipes, and prepare emergency kits with food, water, and medications.
Officials stressed that conditions will vary across the state and advised Texans to exercise caution, avoid nonessential travel, and follow updates from verified government sources as the winter system moves through.
