Upcoming Winter Weather Information and Resources
From
Bruceville-Eddy
Sent
Wed, Jan 21 @ 7:09pm
Description
Information from Oncor:
Oncor Prepares to Respond Ahead of Winter Weather
Below-freezing temperatures, ice accumulation expected
DALLAS (January 21, 2026) – With inclement winter weather anticipated across much of the country later this week, Oncor has activated its storm readiness operations, as well as closely monitoring evolving forecasts and preparing for potential service impacts. Winter precipitation is expected within Oncor’s service area from the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 23 through the evening of Sunday, Jan. 25.
Impacts to electric service as a result of winter weather can be difficult to predict, as even slight variations in temperature can alter the amount and type of precipitation our service area experiences. At this time, weather forecasts expect an extended period of below-freezing temperatures for Oncor’s entire service area. Additionally, there is high confidence in widespread winter precipitation, including snow, freezing rain and ice.
“We recognize the worry that comes with winter storms, especially while forecasts are still developing. Oncor has prepared for winter weather and our field teams have decades of experience safely restoring power in freezing temperatures,” said Kaiti Blake, Oncor meteorologist. “We’ll continue to monitor and share updates on forecasts over the next few days. We encourage customers to stay weather aware and take steps today to prepare their homes and businesses.”
Ice accumulation presents the primary risk to electric service because even a thin glaze greatly increases weight on trees and power lines. Ice accumulation can increase the weight of tree branches by 30 times, and a half-inch of ice accumulation can add 500 pounds of extra weight to power lines, creating hazardous conditions and raising the likelihood of outages as limbs sag or break. Snow and ice can also make travel hazardous. Historically, vehicle accidents during severe winter weather contribute to an increase in power outages and damage to Oncor equipment.
Oncor’s preparations for severe winter weather:
Mobilizing inventory and distributing additional stock of most commonly utilized equipment (transformers, line hardware, poles) to service centers across the service territory.
Expanding the number of available working crews and confirmed additional support resources to respond to winter weather impacts and potential restoration needs.
Increased vegetation management (tree trimming) over the past year as part of Oncor’s System Resiliency Plan (SRP). Scheduled vegetation management will continue ahead of the expected winter weather as long as it’s safe to do so.
Completed annual winter preparations as part of our year-round seasonal preparation efforts, including inspecting thousands of electrical facilities and hundreds of vehicles, and proactively replacing critical equipment to reduce the risk of failures during extreme cold.
What customers can do to get prepared and stay informed:
Keep safety top of mind by monitoring local media for the latest weather conditions and having multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts.
Take time to build a storm safety kit at home.
Protect ‘The Four Ps’ – people, pets, pipes and plants.
Register for MyOncor Alerts by texting “REG” to 66267, download the MyOncor App and follow Oncor on Facebook and X.
While prioritized during power restoration events, critical care designations do not guarantee an uninterrupted power supply, especially during severe weather. Customers who rely on electricity for life-saving medical devices should have a plan in case of power outages.
If you see a downed power line, stay away, keep people and pets away and call 911 immediately.
Helpful individual and family resources are also available on the Texas Division of Emergency Management's (TDEM) website, including the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR), a free registry that provides local emergency management planners and responders with information related to your needs during an emergency.
Warming center locations can also be found through TDEM, though locations and availability may change. For the latest information, please call 211 or check your city and county webpages.
Information from Atmos:
The forecast indicates that extreme winter weather will impact this area in the coming days, and Atmos Energy stands ready to deliver safe and reliable natural gas to its valued customers.
We will communicate regularly with customers and communities before, during, and after extreme weather events, so please encourage your community to activate text alerts, follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and visit our website at atmosenergy.com for the most up-to-date safety and weather preparedness information.
For more information, please refer to the press release below:
DALLAS, Texas – Jan. 21, 2026 – The forecast indicates that extreme winter weather will impact this area in the coming days, and Atmos Energy stands ready to deliver safe and reliable natural gas to its valued customers. As we closely monitor the weather and strategically position technicians across our system, please remember there are important measures that you and your family can take to stay safe and use energy wisely throughout the coming storm. Meanwhile, Atmos Energy will communicate regularly with customers and communities before, during, and after extreme weather events, so please activate text alerts, follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and visit our website at atmosenergy.com for the most up-to-date safety and weather preparedness information.
Always remember that colder weather may increase the amount of natural gas you use. Even though natural gas is one-third of the cost of electricity, increased usage during periods of extreme cold will lead to higher bills. Atmos Energy recommends that you and your family use energy wisely by making a few household changes which may help mitigate how much you spend on natural gas and other energy bills.
Consider these tips to help you stay safe and save energy in the coming days – and all winter long.
Inspect your natural gas piping and appliances.* You are responsible for any natural gas piping on your property from our gas meter to your house or business. As the owner of your home’s gas piping and appliances, it’s your responsibility to schedule regular inspections and maintenance.
To help keep your home safe and to improve energy efficiency, always operate and maintain your natural gas appliances according to the manufacturers’ instructions.
Never use an oven or a gas stovetop to heat your home.
Save money and energy by setting your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day and 58 degrees when you are away from home, where safe to do so.
Reduce your shower and bath time. Showering and bathing can account for 40 percent of your home's hot water use.
Keep warm air inside. Unless a fire is burning, close your fireplace damper to prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney.
Protect natural gas meters. Natural gas meters are weather-proof; however, to help keep the meter working smoothly, remove snow and ice from natural gas meters with a broom or brush. Never kick or chip snow and ice away with a hard object. Call Atmos Energy's Emergency Number at 866.322.8667 if you have concerns about your meter.
Make sure external vents for dryers and other natural gas equipment are clear. Blocked vents can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas. If you have questions about proper venting, contact a licensed plumber or qualified contractor.
Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Leave faucets running at a trickle, open cabinet doors, and close all exterior doors and windows to keep heat inside.
These tips and more are available on our Storm Center page at atmosenergy.com.
Although natural gas outages are infrequent, if you experience loss of natural gas service or low gas pressure, contact the Atmos Energy emergency line at 866.322.8667 – agents are ready to assist 24/7.
Smell gas, act fast! If you suspect a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately! From a safe distance call 911 and Atmos Energy's 24-hour toll-free emergency number at 866.322.8667.
Information from ERCOT:
ERCOT has issued a Weather Watch for January 24-27 due to forecasted below-freezing temperatures with the possibility of frozen precipitation, higher electrical demand, and the potential for lower reserves. Grid conditions are expected to be normal during an ERCOT Weather Watch. For more information, visit our TXANS webpage.
What is an ERCOT Weather Watch?
An ERCOT Weather Watch is an advance notification of forecasted significant weather with higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves. At this time, grid conditions are expected to be normal, and there is no current expectation of an energy emergency. Texans should continue to monitor real-time and extended grid conditions at ercot.com.
What do I need to do?
No action is needed. You can monitor current and extended grid conditions on ercot.com.
Did you know?
Reducing electric use during peak demand times can help you save and lower demand on the grid. Energy-saving tips can be found at ercot.com/txans.
This notification was posted by Bruceville-Eddy. Bruceville-Eddy is solely responsible for this notification and unless specifically indicated, no other community or individual utilizing Savvy Citizen is sponsoring, responsible for, or endorsing this notification.
