Texans warned to prepare for dangerous cold as arctic front approaches

In the United States, North Texas is facing an impending cold wave as the weather forecast indicates dangerously low temperatures hitting the region. On February 20, 2025, a First Alert Weather Day has been issued for North Texas due to arctic air that is expected to lower temperatures to the teens. The cold air will arrive in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in the afternoon hours, with possible precipitation beforehand that could result in light freezing rain later in the day. As the arctic front approaches, Governor Greg Abbott has briefed residents on the severity of the weather conditions. He emphasizes the importance of winterizing homes and taking necessary precautions due to the hazardous weather that could put lives at risk. In conjunction with the weather warnings, Abbott has taken proactive measures to address the cold snap. He has instructed the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to engage in preparations by treating major roads with a brine solution to mitigate icy conditions. This means that TxDOT crews have been deployed to ensure roads are safer for travel as temperatures drop. Abbott highlighted that maintaining the power grid's reliability is also a priority during this extreme weather, reassuring citizens that the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) expects enough energy supplies to meet the demands of the cold. Residents are reportedly advised to monitor updates and limit time outdoors. As cold air settles into the region, temperatures are forecasted to plummet to record lows, potentially breaking an 86-year-old record of 18 degrees. The extreme cold warning remains in effect, emphasizing that wind chills could make it feel as low as -10 degrees in some areas. The National Weather Service has issued several advisories indicating the length of time the extreme conditions may last, as the bitterly cold temperatures persist through Thursday morning. A gradual warming trend is expected by the weekend, where temperatures could reach the low 60s, leading to a notable shift from the frigid weather experienced mid-week. Given the sudden shift in weather patterns and the drastic drop in temperature, some communities, especially in vulnerable areas, are preparing for potential consequences like power outages or road hazards due to icy conditions. Emergency shelters and warming centers are being put in place to assist those in need, ensuring that adequate resources are available to handle the influx of individuals seeking safety from the extreme cold. Local officials are heavily engaged in outreach efforts to keep the public informed about available services and safety measures, underlining the community’s resilience and willingness to support one another during these harsh winter conditions.