Why ABC13 Chief Meteorologist Travis Herzog says this weekend’s storm will not be like the 2021 Texas Freeze
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The 2021 Texas Freeze brought snow, freezing temperatures, and power outages, but while ABC13 Chief Meteorologist Travis Herzog said he does not expect the same conditions for this weekend’s winter storm, he still has some concerns.
“So, this is like 2021’s younger sibling; it’s still going to pack a punch, but it’s not going to be as severe,” Herzog said. “One key difference between this and 2021 is we’re expecting a lot more freezing rain and sleet instead of snow, and so when we have freezing rain, it freezes onto bridges, overpasses, any elevated roadway.”
In addition to potential roadway ruckus, Herzog said power disruption is possible.
“If the winterization has been done as ERCOT has told us it’s been done, it should be able to withstand what’s coming our way. The key difference will be if we get freezing rain that could knockdown the distribution of power, as power lines could come down,” Herzog said.
ERCOT and CenterPoint tell ABC13 they’ve made infrastructure changes and there should be enough energy to meet the demand.
All experts said that, regardless, it’s best to prepare your home now.
“Cover your pipes; it doesn’t take much time. It’s worth it, and it can be as dramatic as you go out to Home Depot and get the proper insulated covers or something as simple as getting a Styrofoam cup from Whataburger and covering it up,” said home energy auditor Mike Ramsden.
Ramsden said taking basic steps now can help prevent future damage.
“Inside the house, other simple things, you want to open up your cabinet doors that are beneath your kitchen sinks, and your bathroom sinks, and then let the faucets drip just a little bit to keep that water flowing,” said Ramsden.
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