Michael Cardinal, FISM News
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For some Texans the worst may be yet to come as rare below-freezing temperatures and icy conditions continue to hit the Lonestar State. Millions of Texans continue to be without power or water and are experiencing a limited food supply due to the extreme weather that is predicted to last until Saturday. Tragically, at least 31 people have also died due to the storm.
While over half of America was under a winter weather advisory within the past few days, Texas was hit the hardest due to record-breaking low temperatures and a prolonged polar-plunge. The power grid for the state was overwhelmed due to residents using more energy than normal, as well as supplemental power sources of wind and solar power shutting down. This caused the power grid to be on the verge of complete collapse.
The second largest state in America is primarily on it’s own power grid in order to keep a sense of independence from the rest of the country. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which is responsible for 90% of the state’s energy began rolling outages in some areas in order to preserve energy and avoid a complete blackout. This caused many residents to become irate as they suffer through freezing temperatures.
I'm extremely upset at ERCOT! They've let all Texans down with this mess!! https://t.co/nILYjcHePo
— Pete Delkus (@wfaaweather) February 15, 2021
Freezing temperatures and weather advisories continue to be in place for much of the state through Saturday, and officials are urging residents to stay indoors and use power sparingly. Many in the state have had power restored, but at least 500,000 households remain without power as of Thursday morning.
Technical Discussion just released from SPC about the snow banding ongoing . We are upping the forecast slightly for the San Antonio from 1-2 to as much as 3 inches. Still think the heaviest will be along the Rio Grande, where 5 inches have already fall in Del Rio. https://t.co/BTWg4RtFLH
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) February 18, 2021