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5h ago

ERCOT Issues Weather Watch as NWS Posts Winter Storm, Extreme Cold Watches for North and Central Texas

Officials say grid reforms leave Texas better prepared than during 2021's Uri.

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A power substation in Northwest Austin during a winter storm on Feb. 3, 2022. State and local officials said on Wednesday they are prepared for this weekend's expected winter storm.
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Overview

  • ERCOT set a weather watch for Jan. 24–27 due to forecast sub-freezing temperatures, higher electric demand and potentially lower reserves, while projecting normal grid operations.
  • The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch from noon Friday to Sunday afternoon and an Extreme Cold Watch from 6 p.m. Saturday to Monday morning for much of North and Central Texas.
  • Forecasts call for freezing rain, sleet and snow with wind chills in single digits and a prolonged stretch below freezing into early next week.
  • Gov. Greg Abbott activated state emergency services as TxDOT pre-treats roads, cities ready warming centers such as Dallas’ Fair Park facilities, and utilities mobilize crews and verify winterization.
  • ERCOT urges Texans to sign up for TXANS and ERCOT alerts, use the mobile app, reduce usage during peak hours and prepare for possible localized outages from ice or falling tree branches.