AUSTIN (1080 KRLD)- The size of this ice storm is massive and has the full attention of everyone in Austin. Governor Greg Abbott says the ice storm is a big test for the state's power grid which was nearly knocked offline in 2021 when a series of events created the perfect snowstorm.
Governor Abbott says there have been several thousand outages reported around the state, but says those are local problems and have nothing to do with the grid. He says the roads are not ok and has expressed frustration as so many semi-drivers get stuck on the roads.
"It's particularly hazardous for large rigs like 18 wheelers that have more difficulty slowing as needed, but also they're going over bridges that may be icy and may have black ice which is difficult for them or others to see."
Mark Williams, the head of TXDOT, also says drivers are getting into accidents and getting them transported to the hospital is very time delayed because of the road conditions.
He stresses, "if you do not have to be outside, stay home."
The other problem two years ago was gas supplies. Lines were either exposed to the weather or there were power problems that affected the transmission of natural gas. Texas Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick assured that things are running normally.
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