Story perspectives

Texas Braces for Winter Storm: Disaster Declared Statewide

1/24/2026

Center

Governor Abbott Responds

A major winter storm will impact Texas from January 23 to January 26, bringing heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
The National Weather Service has issued winter weather warnings for Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.
Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for 134 counties to ensure resources are available for affected areas.
Shelters and warming centers are opening in Central Texas as power outages and hazardous road conditions loom.

Right

Judge Declares Disaster

Smith County Judge Neal Franklin declared a disaster on January 23 for a winter storm expected to last through January 26.
National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for Smith County, predicting freezing rain and below-freezing temperatures.
Non-emergency county offices will close Monday, and jury duty is canceled.
Residents are advised to stay home if road conditions worsen.
The county's website provides winter weather preparation and local shelter resources.

History

Historical Context

The February 2021 Winter Storm Uri caused unprecedented power outages in Texas, affecting over 4.5 million residents and resulting in at least 246 deaths statewide. This event marked the largest blackout in U.S. history since 2003, prompting Governor Greg Abbott to call for investigations into the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). The storm's aftermath has led to increased scrutiny of Texas's energy infrastructure and emergency response strategies.

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Governor Abbott Responds

A major winter storm will impact Texas from January 23 to January 26, bringing heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
The National Weather Service has issued winter weather warnings for Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.
Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for 134 counties to ensure resources are available for affected areas.
Shelters and warming centers are opening in Central Texas as power outages and hazardous road conditions loom.

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