(Nexstar) – Winter weather continues to push through the Permian Basin. Be sure to check back for updates.
UPDATE: 2:40 p.m.
The Greater Gardendale WSC has rescinded a boil water notice.
The entity says boiling water in no longer required before consumption.
UPDATE: 12:50 p.m.
The warming center at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton has been deactivated in Odessa. The other warming shelters in the city will remain open for those in need until noon Saturday.
UPDATE: 12:04 p.m.
MIDLAND, Texas (Nexstar) – We don’t have to tell you how cold it has been this week. Freezing temperatures have greeted West Texans since late last week.
But the National Weather Service put it in perspective Friday, saying freezing temperatures were present for 220 ½ hours. That’s more than nine days below the freezing mark.
See more here:
UPDATE: 11:53 a.m.
The West Texas Food Bank has resumed operations and will open their drive-thru pantries Friday.
Both the Odessa and Midland locations will be open from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
UPDATE 9:31 a.m.
ERCOT says as of 7:30 a.m., about 34,000 MW of generation is on forced outage because of the storms. Nearly 20,000 MW of that is thermal generation, while the rest is wind and solar.
ERCOT defines a forced outage on its website as, “An outage initiated manually or by protective relay in response to an observation by personnel or the system operator that the condition of equipment could lead to an event or potential event that poses a threat to people, equipment or public safety.”
ERCOT will provide another update Friday morning. Watch it live in the story below:
UPDATE: 6:24 a.m.
As Texas emerges from the winter storms, Oncor says improvements have been made and more customers will see their power come on by the end of the day.
As of 9 a.m. Friday, more than 192,000 remained without power. Locally, about 150 people remained without power in the Midland-Odessa area showing significant improvement.
See more from Oncor below:
UPDATE: 10:53 p.m.:
From Chief Meteorologist Chase Menendez: The winter weather is almost behind us but the morning brings another round of freezing fog. Temperatures will be in the low double digits, well below freezing, and visibility will be dropping down to about three miles or less. The combination of these factors will lead to another layer of ice on the roads for Friday morning.
This freezing fog will collect mostly on bridges and overpasses but because we’ve been so cold for so long, most roads will also accumulate another layer of ice as well. Driving conditions will be slicker than they have been in a while, so please use caution when driving!
Thankfully, the fog will life around noon on Friday and temperatures will pick up quickly from that point to highs in the mid to upper-40s in the afternoon. The weekend will bring even warmer temperatures to look forward to!
UPDATE: 4 p.m.
The City of Big Lake has issued a boil water notice. Read more here.
UPDATE: 1:12 p.m.
ECISD will go virtual again on Friday.
See more below:
UPDATE: 11 a.m.
Medical Center Hospital has announced a new plan for booster vaccines. Initially, the hospital was scheduled to administer booster vaccines this week. However, winter weather has stalled vaccine distribution.
See more below:
UPDATE: 10:20 a.m.
UPDATE: 9:08 a.m.
Medical Center Hospital has canceled its booster shoot clinics citing reasons beyond their control. They plan to discuss the cancelation Thursday morning as well as the winter weather and vaccine distribution issues across the state.
Catch a live stream of that update here.
UPDATE 5:44 a.m.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has instructed Oncor, and other providers, to cease controlled outages.
Thanks to increased generation, and stable demand, the company says outages are improving. However, about 150,000 remain without power and Oncor says a majority of those outages are due to equipment damage.
“Our personnel will continue working 24/7 to restore power to these remaining customers,” Oncor said in a statement. “We recognize the hardships that this power emergency has caused for our customers and communities. We appreciate their patience as we awaited the return of electric generation and protected the Texas electric grid.”
Meanwhile, ERCOT touted ‘significant progress’ overnight but say emergency conditions remain as grid operators and transmission owners work to restore the remaining customers without power.
“We’ve to the point in the load restoration where we are allowing transmission owners to bring back any load they can related to this load shed event,” ERCOT Senior Director of System Operations Dan Woodfin said in a statement. “We will keep working around the clock until every single customer has their power back on.” ERCOT said those who remain without power are likely in areas with ice storm damage to a distribution system, in areas that were taken out of service due to the emergency load shed that need to be restored manually, or a large industrial facility that voluntarily went offline to help during this energy emergency.
UPDATE: 9:23 p.m.
From Chief Meteorologist Chase Menendez: Another round of snow flurries and snow showers is likely to push through the Basin overnight tonight and into tomorrow morning. These showers will begin in Southeast New Mexico just after midnight and they will reach most of the central Basin around sunrise, about five, six in the morning, and move out by the early afternoon.
Our next round will not be like the snow event that we received over the past weekend; snow totals will only be around 1″ for most of the central Basin, with higher amounts along and south of I-10. However, any snow that does fall is very likely to pile up on top of the layer of ice present on many Basin roads. This ice/snow combination will make for very slick driving conditions, so please use extra caution through the morning hours tomorrow.
High temperatures on Thursday will only warm to the 20s once again, meaning we’ll be spending yet another day below freezing. For Odessa and Midland, we’ve spent the entire week so far below that 32-degree freezing mark! Thankfully, Friday will set us up for a mild weekend, and it will be the only day this week that Odessa and Midland warm above freezing.
UPDATE: 5:04 p.m.
The City of Odessa is joining West Texas cities in asking residents to conserve water. As of Wednesday, the City says they the system is sound, although demand is higher than normal.
Residents are asked conserve water to ensure the water system isn’t jeopardized.
UPDATE: 4:09 p.m.
Midland ISD has announced they will be closed through Friday due to winter weather conditions and power outages.
UPDATE: 2 p.m.
Crane County is joining many cities in asking residents to conserve water.
UPDATE: 12:30 p.m.
MISD will be closed Thursday and ECISD will be remote Thursday.
View a full list of closings here.
UPDATE: 11:17 a.m.
The City of Big Spring and the City of Midland are asking residents to conserve water.
In Big Spring, the City says they have experienced a number of water main breaks and crews are actively working to repair them.
The City of Midland says they have received several reports of leaks and note some residents may experience low water pressure as they are being fixed.
UPDATE: 9:50 a.m.
Albeit slow, Oncor said progress has been made as demand dropped overnight allowing them to restore some previously dropped power.
Despite the good news, Oncor said controlled outages remain in place as ERCOT continues to work on stabilizing the grid.
“The second winter storm is also continuing to move through our service territory, potentially resulting in multiple inches of snow, significant ice and sleet accumulation,” a statement from Oncor reads. “While weather impacts are ongoing, personnel and out of state mutual assistance contractors were staged across the territory before the storm and are now actively engaged in restoration efforts. These personnel are well experienced in working in extreme weather conditions and will be working around the clock to assess damages, clear debris and repair damaged equipment.”
UPDATE 9:45 p.m.
From Chief Meteorologist Chase Menendez: More chances for snow in the Permian Basin.
Late Wednesday evening into the early morning of Thursday, the Central and Southern Basin have another small chance at receiving even more snow. Chief Meteorologist Chase Menendez is putting a 40% chance on snow during this timeframe for Odessa and Midland.
Snow totals will remain very low, between 1-2″ in most of the Basin, but any snow that does fall will accumulate on top of any unmelted snow from the weekend.
Any additional snow will extend these hazardous road conditions, so please only drive when absolutely necessary. As well, make sure to drive slowly and carefully, especially around turns.
If any slipping does occur, ease up on the accelerator or brake to regain control, and steer in the direction you want to go. Leave plenty of space between other vehicles to offset slower reaction time caused by the slippery roads.
UPDATE: 4:47 p.m.
A boil water notice has been issued by the City of Big Spring due to freezing conditions.
UPDATE: 2 p.m.
A number of schools and county offices will be closed again Wednesday. Ector County and Midland ISDs are among them.
Ector County ISD will go virtual Wednesday. Accommodations will be made for students who are without power. Midland ISD will be closed.
UPDATE: 11:39 a.m.
Cities in West Texas are asking residents to conserve water as the winter weather continues to create problems across the state.
On top of rolling power outages, Big Spring and Pecos are asking residents to conserve water.
According to a release from the Big Spring, the freezing temperatures are causing issues at the Water Treatment Plant. Thus, the city has asked residents to conserve water until conditions improve.
Pecos is experiencing a similar issue.
According to a release from the City of Pecos, they are having issues filling tanks for transmission to the residents. They have also asked residents to conserve water.
UPDATE: 10:53 a.m.
Six warming shelters have opened in Midland. Currently, thousands of people are without power in Midland County.
Here is a list of those places:
- Salvation Army, 600 E Wall St. Open 24 hours
- True Lite Christian Fellowship, 3001 North A Street. Open 24 hours.
- First Baptist Church Activity Center, 2104 West Louisiana Ave. Open 24 hours.
- Midland YMCA, 800 North Big Spring St. Open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Presence Church, 901 Midland Dr. Open until 5 p.m.
- First United Methodist Church, 300 North Main St. Open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m
UPDATE: 10:19 a.m.
A boil water notice has been issued for noncommunity public water systems in Midland. According to a release from the City of Midland, there was a water main break and a loss of pressure.
All customers and businesses are asked to boil water until the notice is lifted.
UPDATE: 9:38 a.m.
There is a concern for winter weather today for parts of West Texas and southeast New Mexico. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the northern Basin and central and northern Lea County until 6pm CST today.
The NWS in Midland says up to 2in of snow is possible with this system, primarily in Northern Lea County. The northern Basin looks like it will see less than an inch. Ice accumulations looks minimal as well (about <0.10in).
It is possible that some of the snow and ice could affect Odessa/Midland and Big Spring, but also the northern Basin and southeast New Mexico. There could be a better chance tonight around 9pm-12am of some snow and/or ice affecting Odessa/Midland and Big Spring.
UPDATE: 7:32 a.m.
Power outages persist across Texas, including here in the Permian Basin as crews work to repair outages and controlled outages are extended.
An update from Oncor Tuesday says planned outages continue across the state and while outages have improved slightly, they and other companies have been unable to rotate outages as expected, leading to extended periods without power for several customers.
Additionally, Oncor says since conditions haven’t improved much, problems persist and The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is unable to predict when grid conditions will stabilize.
“We recognize the hardships and extreme frustration customers without power face during these historical low temperatures and are ready to deliver power as soon as electric generators are able to provide it,” a statement from Oncor reads. “As soon as enough generation is available, we will return to a regular cadence of rotating outages with the goal of providing any temporary relief that we can for those who have been without power the longest.”
Currently, more than 16,000 people are without power in the Odessa area and 3,278 in the area of Andrews. The majority of the outages are being reported in Midland. Currently, more than 51,000 people are without power in or around the Tall City, the outage map shows.
UPDATE: 5:13 p.m.
The Texas Department of Transportation is asking residents to avoid driving if possible as conditions are not expected to improve until Wednesday.
If you must drive, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- SLOW DOWN
- clear all snow and ice from windows
- Allow more room to store
- Allow more room between you and other vehicles
- Do not use cruise control
- If you start to skid, take your foot off the gas and steer where you want to go
- Never slam on the brakes. Break gradually
- Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained
- Avoid overpasses and bridges as they tend to freeze over faster than other roadways
UPDATE: 3:25 p.m.
Warming centers have been opened in Fort Stockton, 401 N. Gillis, Marfa, Hibbits Gym.
UPDATE: 2:45 p.m.
Gov. Greg Abbott has announced additional resources will be sent to assist essential workers, conduct welfare checks, and help with the power grid. See more here.
UPDATE: 1:41 p.m.
Oncor says they initially planned controlled outages as requested by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Those outages were expected to last between 15 and 45 minutes, prior reports indicate.
However, Oncor is now saying those outages have been ‘significantly extended’ due to the emergency grid conditions and the severe weather pushing through Texas.
Additionally, Oncor reported that controlled outages could be necessary through Tuesday, and customers should be prepared to be without power for an extended period of time.
“We are doing everything possible to respond to these power emergency events,” a statement from Oncor reads. “We remain in close coordination with ERCOT and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we protect the integrity of the Texas grid.”
UPDATE: 1:35 p.m.
Gov. Greg Abbott says the state’s power grid has not been compromised. Companies ability to generate power has been frozen, including coal and natural gas generators.
Crews are currently working to get them back online.
UPDATE: 12:35 p.m.
A third warming center has opened in Odessa. The warming center is located in the Copper Rose Building, 415 N. Grant. Those who visit the warming center will be required to wear a mask.
UPDATE: 11:41 a.m.
The City of Big Spring is asking residents to shelter in place as freezing temperatures and power outages continue in the area.
“At this time, we are advising the public to shelter in place,” a statement from the City reads. “This means that you and your family are safer where you are and you need to make arrangements to stay where you are, bundle up with layers and wrap up in blankets.”
Additionally, the City says they have spoken with local electricity providers regarding the outages and have been assured that crews are working to resolve the power issues.
More than 11,000 outages are being reported in the area of Big Spring, according to the Oncor outage map.
UPDATE: 11:18 a.m.
The City of Odessa has opened a second warming shelter. See more information here.
UPDATE: 9:57 a.m.
ERCOT has announced planned outages throughout the state to reduce stress on the electrical grid. Outages, according to a release from Oncor, last between 15 and 45 minutes but times could vary.
Should outages last longer than the reported times, customers are encouraged to report the outage at 888-313-4747 or by texting OUT to 66267.
UPDATE: 11:45 p.m.
The snow has subsided in West Texas, for the most part, this evening. A few lingering flurries and snow showers are still possible through the overnight hours. Temperatures will cool to below zero this evening, so the snow and ice will not have a chance to melt or dissipate significantly until tomorrow afternoon. Road conditions for the morning hours will be hazardous due to the amount of snow and ice. Please avoid driving through tomorrow evening.
The Wind Chill Warning issued by the National Weather Service will be expiring at 1 p.m. on Monday afternoon, but even after that, temperatures will be cold enough to possibly lead to frostbite. Make sure to cover any exposed skin when venturing outdoors, even for short periods of time.
UPDATE: 7:30 p.m.
Most of the snow in West Texas is either dying down or has stopped completely, but road conditions continue to worsen. Overnight temperatures will drop down into the single-digits almost areawide, which will be well below freezing. As the accumulated snow on the roads begins to somewhat melt, any liquid water will quickly re-freeze into ice. This layer of ice will really make for some slick and hazardous driving conditions for the rest of the evening and into tomorrow morning.
Even though the snow has stopped falling, driving conditions remain hazardous. Please avoid driving for the rest of the evening and for the morning hours tomorrow.
Wind chill remains hazardous as well, due to single-digit temperatures and winds at about 10-15 MPH. These factors will drop our wind chill across the Basin well below 0-degrees, so please remain indoors to prevent hypothermia, and cover any exposed skin when venturing outdoors to prevent frostbite.
UPDATE: 5 p.m.
The snow has finally begun moving out of the Permian Basin, with a few lingering snow showers/ flurries remaining. Snow totals are above 7″ at MAF’s observation site as of 5 p.m. meaning roads are going to be packed with snow and ice. Please avoid driving for the rest of this evening, as the snow will not have a chance to melt until tomorrow afternoon.
We broke several temperature records today, including the Low temperature record, which was previously set at 15 degrees in 1951, and the Coldest High temperature record, which was previously set at 28 and was also set in 1951. Winds remain strong and wind chill, as of this writing, remains at -10 degrees for Odessa and Midland. Please cover any exposed skin when venturing outdoors as frostbite can be a concern with temperatures this cold.
UPDATE: 2:30 p.m.
Good news: our Winter Storm Warning, that has been outlined for just about all of West Texas, has been updated to expire a little sooner, and is now set to end at 12 Midnight Central Time on Monday. That means this evening into Monday morning, the Winter Storm Warning will end.
It certainly has been a Winter Storm today, though, with strong winds and a lot of snow. Odessa and Midland have picked up 8″ at our official observation site at MAF. With snow totals this high, expect icy conditions at least through Tuesday, with some remaining ice on Wednesday.
Wind chill is still a huge factor, with our wind chill values in Odessa and Midland currently reading -13 degrees and actual temperatures in the single digits. Winds will not be dying down through the evening, meaning our wind chill will actually drop off even further from there through the overnight hours. Conditions this cold could lead to frostbite, so please remain indoors and stay warm this evening.
UPDATE: 2 p.m.
| Alert: | …BLIZZARD WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM MST THIS EVENING… …WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT CST /11 PM MST/ TONIGHT… …WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM CST /NOON MST/ MONDAY… .A winter storm has arrived bringing strong winds, heavy and blowing snow, and bitterly cold wind chills. Heavy and blowing snow will cause major travel issues across the area with blizzard conditions over the Guadalupe and Delaware Mountains. Bitterly cold temperatures will occur Sunday into Monday, with subzero wind chills. * WHAT…For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. For the Wind Chill Warning, dangerously cold wind chills. Wind chills as low as 15 below zero. * WHERE…Portions of southeast New Mexico and southwest and western Texas. * WHEN…For the Winter Storm Warning, until midnight CST /11 PM MST/ tonight. For the Wind Chill Warning, until 1 PM CST /noon MST/ Monday. * IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. The dangerously cold wind chills could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken. |
| Instructions: | If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. In New Mexico, the latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 800-432-4269. In Texas, the latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 800-452-9292. |
| Target Area: | Northern Lea County; Ector; Southern Lea County; Marfa Plateau; Glasscock; Davis Mountains Foothills; Dawson; Crane; Martin; Mitchell; Pecos; Eastern Culberson County; Scurry; Chinati Mountains; Reagan; Andrews; Winkler; Gaines; Ward; Upton; Van Horn and Highway 54 Corridor; Borden; Eddy County Plains; Howard; Central Lea County; Davis Mountains; Midland; Central Brewster County; Loving; Reeves County Plains |
UPDATE: 12 p.m.
Temperatures have picked up only slightly from this morning, and the snow is continuing to come down in locally heavy amounts. Road conditions remain icy and slick, and visibility remains low even as we approach the afternoon hours. Please avoid driving during these icy conditions.
Expect even colder conditions for the rest of the day as temperatures for most of the Permian Basin plummet down to the single digits before sunset. Odessa and Midland will be reaching lows of just 2 degrees by tomorrow morning. In addition, wind chill will remain a significant factor through the overnight hours. Please make sure to stay warm and cover any exposed skin when spending any time outdoors today and tonight.
Additionally, avoid driving if possible. The Texas Department of Public Safety is working several crashes along Interstate 20.
See a list of delays and closings here
UPDATE: 10 a.m.
A large band of snow is heading through the Permian Basin and causing snow totals to jump up to between 1-2″ in some locations. This snow is blanketing the layer of sleet and ice that remains from yesterday and overnight, making roads exceptionally slick.
Wind speeds remain in the teens and low-20s throughout West Texas, providing significant Wind Chill. A Wind Chill Warning is in effect for our entire viewing area as temperatures will feel as cold as -20 degrees. This is cold enough to cause hypothermia and possibly frostbite to uncovered skin.
UPDATE: 8 a.m.
Roadways remain hazardous this morning thanks to plenty of wintry mix and snowfall overnight. This has resulted in a layer of snow and ice blanketing most roads, causing very slick and icy conditions. Please avoid driving today, as these conditions will not let up until Monday afternoon.
This afternoon’s temperatures will actually be colder than the current conditions, so please make sure to stay warm. Part of the reason for the cool down is that our winds will be ramping up to 20+ MPH this afternoon, providing a large amount of wind chill. With temperatures in the single-digits and strong winds, our wind chill factor will make the air feel like -10 or even -15 degrees throughout the Basin. Conditions this cold can cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes, so please make sure to cover any exposed skin when venturing outdoors, even for a short period of time.
UPDATE: 6 a.m.
The Winter Storm is still bringing snow to West Texas. Snow totals are high in some locations, and much of the snow is blanketing a layer of ice. Road conditions will remain hazardous throughout the rest of the day. Please avoid driving for the rest of the day.
Temperatures will continue to decline through the rest of our Sunday, with most of the Permian Basin dropping down into the single digits by sundown this evening. Please make sure to stay warm and cover any exposed skin to prevent the risk of frostbite. Low temperatures on Monday will drop down to 1-degree for Odessa and Midland, and some locations in the Northern Basin, including Andrews and Hobbs, could drop down below 0-degrees.
UPDATE: 4 a.m.
Snow is still pushing through much of the Basin and the Trans Pecos, affecting visibility and road conditions. Please avoid driving on the roadways during this major snow event due to the slick roadways and low visibility.
In addition, wind speeds are beginning to pick up, and wind chill is becoming a concern. When spending any time outdoors, please make sure to cover any exposed skin to prevent the risk of frostbite through the rest of the day.
UPDATE: 2 a.m.
Southeast New Mexico and the Northern Permian Basin are beginning to see some of that wintry mix take hold. Below freezing temperatures will keep most of that mix on the roads, so driving conditions will continue to get worse through the morning hours. Please avoid driving before sunrise due to these slick road conditions.
That wintry mix will soon transition over to snowfall in the next few hours, and the bands of precipitation will continue to track to the south and east, moving into the Central Basin soon. Because snow fall is expected to be moderate-to-heavy, visibility will be low through the rest of the early morning hours.
UPDATE: 12:05 a.m.
Forecast models continue to push the timing of our coming snow storm up with each run. Expect wintry mix in the Basin to begin by 2-3 AM, and for that wintry mix to transition to snow by about 3-4 AM. Snow totals for most of the Basin will likely be between 4-6″, with locally heavier snowfall amounts in some locations.
These cold and icy conditions will make for exceptionally slick roadways and low visibility, so please avoid driving during these hours.
UPDATE: 8:16 p.m.
UPDATE: 7:50 p.m.
A record cold high was set Saturday in Midland. It only reached to 27 degrees in the Tall City breaking a record of 29 degrees set back in 1963, according to the National Weather Service.
UPDATE: 5:52 p.m.
UPDATE: 4:32 p.m.
View active weather alerts here
UPDATE: 4 p.m.
A blizzard warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for the Guadalupe Mountains.
UPDATE – 3:40 p.m.
| Alert: | …WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT CST /11 PM MST/ TONIGHT TO 6 AM CST /5 AM MST/ MONDAY FOR SOUTHEAST NEW MEXICO AND ALL OF WEST TEXAS EXCEPT THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY… …BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM SUNDAY TO MIDNIGHT MST SUNDAY NIGHT FOR THE GUADALUPE AND DELAWARE MOUNTAINS… …WIND CHILL WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM CST /5 PM MST/ SUNDAY TO 1 PM CST /NOON MST/ MONDAY FOR SOUTHEAST NEW MEXICO AND ALL OF WEST TEXAS EXCEPT THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY… .An upper level storm system will move in late tonight, resulting in a strong winter storm for Southeast New Mexico and West Texas, extending through Monday morning. The main form of precipitation will be snow, with amounts ranging from 2 to 6 inches across the region. The greatest amounts are expected in the higher terrain, Southeast New Mexico, and the Northern Permian Basin. Blizzard conditions will exist in the Guadalupe and Delaware Mountains Sunday afternoon into early Monday morning. Bitterly cold temperatures will occur Sunday into Monday, with subzero wind chills Monday morning. * WHAT…For the Winter Storm Warning, heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. For the Wind Chill Warning, dangerously cold wind chills expected. Wind chills as low as 20 below zero. * WHERE…Portions of southeast New Mexico and southwest and western Texas. * WHEN…For the Winter Storm Warning, from midnight CST /11 PM MST/ tonight to 6 AM CST /5 AM MST/ Monday. For the Wind Chill Warning, from 6 PM CST /5 PM MST/ Sunday to 1 PM CST /noon MST/ Monday. * IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. The cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. |
| Instructions: | If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves. In New Mexico, the latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 800-432-4269. In Texas, the latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 800-452-9292. |
| Target Area: | Northern Lea County; Ector; Southern Lea County; Marfa Plateau; Glasscock; Davis Mountains Foothills; Dawson; Crane; Martin; Mitchell; Pecos; Eastern Culberson County; Scurry; Chinati Mountains; Reagan; Andrews; Winkler; Gaines; Ward; Upton; Van Horn and Highway 54 Corridor; Borden; Eddy County Plains; Howard; Central Lea County; Davis Mountains; Midland; Central Brewster County; Loving; Reeves County Plains |
UPDATE: 3 p.m. – Gov. Abbott issues disaster declarations, deploys state resources
Gov. Abbott spoke from the Alternate State Operations Center in Austin and said roads will be one of the biggest challenges, especially as TxDOT works to service 25 regions.
He said more than 1,000 roadway segments already have snow or ice on them and over 1,000 pieces of TxDOT equipment are deployed across the state.
Though the state agency started pretreating roads on Tuesday, he said the effectiveness is limited because of the ultra low temperatures. He warned that roads will be extremely dangerous and treacherous to be driving in, so Texans should avoid going out if possible. Road closures will be up to law enforcement and local officials.
He said if any drivers somehow get stranded or need help, to call the number on the back of your driver’s license or for roadside assistance, call 800-525-5555.
To find out more information about roadways, you can call 1-800-452-9292.
He also noted that DPS has already deployed 3,000 troopers working 24/7, and the National Guard is also assisting along with other state agencies to help stranded travelers and to help check on people throughout the state.
Texas Parks and Wildlife has deployed more than 400 vehicles and have search and rescue teams ready to help. The Texas Forest Service is also deploying crews to help clear roads.
Gov. Abbott also noted that he will be asking for a Federal Emergency Declaration from the White House.
UPDATE: 10 p.m. (Friday)
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