As wintry precipitation departs Texas, frigid temperatures are expected to linger across much of the state on Monday. This severe weather has resulted in hundreds of flight cancellations and numerous school closures.
Although this storm isn’t as catastrophic as the Winter Storm Uri of 2021, which claimed at least 246 lives, the memory of that disaster still looms large in the minds of many Texans. As of 10:30 a.m. Monday, the state’s power grid was performing adequately, according to ERCOT’s supply and demand reports. However, an emergency order from the U.S. Department of Energy, issued on Saturday, has authorized the use of backup power resources to avert potential blackouts. Power outages have been primarily localized, particularly in far East Texas.
Officials continue to urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel due to hazardous road conditions caused by snow, sleet, and freezing rain experienced over the weekend.
In Austin, Governor Greg Abbott received briefings and held a press conference regarding the storm on January 22, 2026. Additionally, residents were seen gathering supplies at Walmart in anticipation of the winter freeze. The Code Blue Warming Station in Amarillo opened earlier than usual to accommodate those in need of shelter from the cold. Volunteers contributed essential supplies, such as bottled water, to local shelters, while snow began accumulating in neighborhood streets.
In Longview, the storm brought icy roads and significant power outages, with many residents purchasing supplies ahead of the storm’s arrival. Icicles formed on power transformers, and Dallas Area Rapid Transit services remained operational during the storm.
By Sunday afternoon in Austin, the precipitation had subsided, although a strong north wind continued to blow. Local residents enjoyed outdoor activities, despite the cold, with some taking their dogs to Zilker Park. Others, like Nick Wagner, took advantage of the icy conditions for recreational activities.
Winter Weather Updates
As East Texas continues to face power outages, the ERCOT grid remains stable. Governor Abbott confirmed that the grid is performing well, attributing its stability to improvements made since 2021. Nevertheless, localized outages persist, with over 60,000 households and businesses without power as of 10:30 a.m. Monday, a decrease from over 130,000 affected customers the previous day.
Nacogdoches County has been hit hardest, with over 9,000 customers still without power. Shelby County and Panola County have also reported significant outages, affecting thousands of households. Flight cancellations and delays at major Texas airports continue, with Dallas Fort-Worth International Airport being particularly hard hit, reporting more than 600 cancellations as of Monday.
The National Weather Service has cautioned drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant due to the potential for black ice on roads and sidewalks.
In Harris County, two nonprofits filed a lawsuit seeking to extend early voting by two days following the closure of polling stations due to severe weather. The lawsuit aims to ensure voters can participate in the runoff election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, which has been without representation since the death of U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner in March 2025.
The runoff election features Democrats Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards, both of whom support the lawsuit. They argue that recent polling station closures have hindered voters’ rights. The winner will serve until the end of the year, with a primary election set for March 3 that will determine long-term representation for the district.
As the heaviest winter precipitation exits Texas, the state has largely weathered the storm without major issues. However, Governor Abbott expanded the disaster declaration to 85 additional counties to ensure communities have access to necessary resources. In Austin, Mayor Kirk Watson reported one death related to exposure during the storm, urging residents to utilize available warming centers and shelters.
Despite the stability of the electrical grid, over 70,000 homes and businesses still lacked power as of Sunday evening, primarily in East Texas. Many school districts have announced closures for Monday, and travel disruptions persist, with major airports reporting significant flight cancellations.
The federal government has issued an emergency order permitting the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to utilize backup generators at data centers and other facilities to bolster power supply. This order is in effect until January 27, and ERCOT has reported that the power grid can meet the anticipated demand, which peaks during the cold weather.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging Texans to exercise caution as localized power outages may still occur due to ice accumulation and falling trees.
