Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide declaration of emergency late Tuesday as forecasts warned of harsh winter weather barreling toward most regions
starting Thursday. The governor's office cited predictions of freezing rain, sleet, snow, and biting wind chills dropping below zero in northwest, north, and northeast Texas. "State of Texas is acting to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities," Abbott stated in the release. Southeast areas like Houston brace for Saturday arrival, ABC13 meteorologists noted. Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to mobilize agencies immediately. Texas Department of Transportation deploys crews and equipment to pre-treat roads and manage closures. Texas National Guard readies high-profile vehicles for stranded drivers. Texas A&M Forest Service sends strike teams with graders and saw crews for ice clearance. Public Utility Commission monitors outages alongside ERCOT, which reports grid stability despite demand spikes expected early next week.
Governor @GregAbbott_TX directed @TDEM to activate state emergency response resources ahead of possible wintry weather across the state starting Thursday.
Texans are urged to stay weather-aware, check https://t.co/JelEYtQoPJ, & heed local guidance. More: https://t.co/NLQkXyhohO pic.twitter.com/JXe1NGrQrI— Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) January 20, 2026
Agencies Gear Up for Blast
The National Weather Service maps arctic cold fronts sweeping Thursday, fueling hazardous travel through the weekend. Deep South Texas and Rio Grande Valley face cold rain; west and central zones risk freezing precipitation. No power failures hit yet, but 2021's deadly freeze lingers in memory—Abbott stresses weather awareness. Check DriveTexas.org before roads, find warming centers via TDEM webpage.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens assist local law enforcement with motorist aid. Railroad Commission tracks natural gas supplies; Texas Commission on Environmental Quality eyes air impacts. Texas Department of Public Safety coordinates overall response. Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service fields public works teams; AgriLife Extension Service advises farmers on livestock.
Texas Department of State Health Services deploys Emergency Medical Task Force medics and ambulances. Health and Human Services Commission staffs 2-1-1 for service info. Texas Education Agency watches school needs; Department of Information Resources guards tech infrastructure. First responders work overtime pre-storm.
Texans Told Prep Now
Abbott thanked emergency personnel for tireless efforts. Texans should stock kits—water, blankets, chargers—avoid unnecessary trips. ERCOT confirms readiness after grid upgrades since Uri storm killed 250. Warming centers list online; pets need shelter too.
Past winters crippled power for millions, burst pipes flooded homes. This round eyes better outcomes with pre-positioned salt trucks and generators. State teams stand ready as flakes fly.
