At a Glance
- ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch from Saturday, Jan. 24 through Tuesday, Jan. 27
- Wind chills could drop to 5-10 degrees below zero in parts of North Texas
- A Winter Storm Watch takes effect at noon Friday, Jan. 23 until 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25
- Why it matters: The storm has prompted comparisons to the devastating February 2021 winter storm that left millions without power
A powerful winter storm heading toward North Texas this weekend has prompted state grid operators to issue a Weather Watch as dangerously cold temperatures and potential frozen precipitation threaten the electrical grid.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) announced the Weather Watch period spanning Saturday, Jan. 24 through Tuesday, Jan. 27, citing forecasted below-freezing temperatures and anticipated higher electrical demand. Despite the severe weather approaching, the agency stated that grid conditions are expected to remain normal during this period.
“ERCOT is monitoring weather conditions closely and will deploy all available tools to manage the grid, continuing a reliability-first approach to operations,” the agency said in a statement.
Storm Timeline and Severity
The Arctic air mass is expected to arrive in North Texas on Friday and persist through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch effective from noon Friday, Jan. 23 until 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25.
Meteorologists warn of extreme cold following the storm, with wind chills potentially dropping to 5-10 degrees below zero in parts of North Texas late Saturday night into early next week. An Extreme Cold Watch will be in effect for North Texas, including Dallas and Fort Worth, from 6 p.m. Saturday until noon Monday, Jan. 26.
The weather service cited risks including:
- Wintry precipitation that could make travel hazardous
- Threats to power lines
- Potential damage to unprotected infrastructure
Grid Preparations and Coordination
ERCOT emphasized that a Weather Watch serves as an advanced notification and does not indicate that power outages are expected. Officials stated that no action is required from residents at this time.
The grid operator is coordinating preparations with multiple state agencies:
- Texas Energy Reliability Council
- Public Utility Commission of Texas
- Texas Division of Emergency Management
Market participants are also involved in the coordination efforts ahead of the expected cold weather.
Memories of 2021 Winter Storm
The approaching storm has inevitably drawn comparisons to the severe February 2021 winter storm that devastated Texas. During that event, prolonged freezing temperatures and record electricity demand contributed to widespread power outages across the state.
The 2021 storm left millions of customers without electricity, some for several days, as the grid struggled with reduced power generation and surging demand. The crisis exposed significant vulnerabilities in Texas’s independent electrical grid.
Since 2021, state leaders and grid operators have implemented changes aimed at improving winter preparedness. These improvements include:
- Weatherization requirements for power generation facilities
- Expanded coordination among energy and emergency management agencies
Staying Informed and Prepared
Officials encouraged residents to stay informed by:
- Signing up for grid condition notifications through the Texas Advisory and Notification System
- Monitoring real-time grid conditions
- Reducing electricity use during peak demand periods to help ease strain on the system
Weather experts stress that while the forecast points to a serious weather event, preparation remains key to weathering the storm safely.
Winter Weather Preparation Tips
As North Texans prepare for the Arctic blast, several key preparation steps can help protect homes, property, and loved ones from the severe cold.
Home Winterization
Before the cold arrives, replace worn weatherstripping on doors and windows to ensure proper sealing. Most modern windows are sealed inside the frame, but older windows may use glaze that can crack and need replacing. Check gutters to ensure they’re clear and allow water to flow freely to downspouts.
The Texas Department of Insurance recommends:
- Trimming trees away from power lines, homes, and cars
- Checking insulation levels in attics
Pipe Protection
While most North Texans know to insulate outdoor faucets, prolonged cold snaps may require additional measures:
- Leave inside faucets on external walls dripping overnight to prevent freezing
- Place a sponge or towel in sinks to catch water drops silently
- Leave cabinet doors open so pipes on external walls are more exposed to heat
- Disconnect hoses and insulate external faucet valves
- Use foam exterior faucet covers for better protection
If you suspect a pipe has frozen, keep the faucet open so water can flow when it melts. Know the location of your main water valve and how to turn it off in case of a burst pipe.
Pet and Plant Safety
Bring pets indoors during extreme cold. The SPCA of Texas notes that if you’re cold outside, your pet likely is too. For outdoor animals, provide appropriate shelter that is dry and well-insulated.
For plants:
- Bring perennial potted plants indoors
- Cover outdoor plants with sheets, blankets, or landscaping frost blankets
- Water soil by hand before a freeze, keeping foliage dry
- Use multiple frost blankets during extreme cold
Additional Preparations
Turn off irrigation systems to prevent dangerous ice formation on streets and avoid broken pipes or valves. Winterize systems by turning off timers and back-flow devices, and drain the main line. Insulate any above-ground pipes.
For HVAC systems, change air filters every three months and check ductwork regularly for holes. If part of your HVAC system is in the attic, check for rodents that might nest in the unit’s warmth.
For swimming pools, check the pump daily to ensure it’s moving water through pipes, which can burst if frozen. Keep fresh batteries for flashlights and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure phones are charged and consider backup power sources.
Weather and grid conditions will continue to be monitored closely as the storm approaches, with updates provided as conditions develop.
