AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- As a severe winter weather blast continued to impact the state Saturday afternoon, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott warned residents to prepare for the next few days.
Abbott spoke from the Alternate State Operations Center in North Austin. With snow and ice expected throughout the state and temperatures dipping down into the teens and single digits for much of the upcoming week, Abbott said he will ask for a federal emergency declaration for impacted communities.
"Every part of the state will face freezing conditions over the coming days, and I urge all Texans to remain vigilant against the extremely harsh weather that is coming," Abbott said. "Stay off the roads, take conscious steps to conserve energy, and avoid dangerous practices like bringing generators indoors or heating homes with ovens or stovetops. Our emergency response to this winter weather requires a collective approach between state agencies, local officials, and Texans throughout our communities to ensure the safety and security of the Lone Star State."
Local officials have established 34 warming centers in communities across the state and sent numerous vehicles, wreckers, ambulances, and personnel to assist in stranded motor operations and community support. Abbott urged Texans to stay off the roads if they can, and immediately call 800-525-5555 for roadside assistance if they become stranded on the road. The Texas Department of Public Safety has activated over 3,000 troopers that are working 24/7 to assist communities with their response. The Texas Military Department has also deployed Guardsmen to perform welfare checks in remote areas of the state.
Abbott also addressed power and energy concerns as much of the state will see temperatures falling into the teens and single digits Monday and Tuesday - temperatures that haven't been seen in the Austin area in 31 years.
Texans should begin conserving energy now, Abbott said, to ensure power and energy are available early next week by unplugging devices when not in use, closing windows and blinds, and adjusting thermostats to 68 degrees or below.
Saturday's remarks followed Abbott's statewide disaster declaration for all 254 counties, which aims to assist local officials in their severe weather response. State officials are working in the State Operations Center 24 hours a day for the duration of the event, and Texas Department of Transportation crews are continuing to treat the state's roadways over the coming days.
