We’re tracking the fallout from the massive winter storm in Texas, which has brought widespread power outages and transportation problems.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The number of outages remains high. But the state’s power grid operator says some customers should have power restored this afternoon.
- Natural gas provider for Austin, El Paso, the Rio Grande Valley and elsewhere warns of potential shortage.
- House Speaker Dade Phelan has asked House committees to review statewide blackouts.
- There are resources to help in many of the state’s biggest cities.
Natural gas provider warns of potential shortage for Austin, El Paso and the Rio Grande Valley
[11:45 a.m.] Texas Gas Service, which provides natural gas to Austin, El Paso, the Rio Grande Valley and other parts of the state, warned Tuesday of potential natural gas shortages during the winter storm.
In an email, the provider said it had very few outages by Tuesday morning but urged users to conserve gas to prevent future shortages. It asked people to lower their thermostats, water heater temperatures and seal gaps in doorways and window frames with towels. The company also asked residents not to do laundry and close blinds and curtains to keep in heat.
“As of this morning, our suppliers of natural gas are experiencing freezing gas wells due to the duration of the extreme cold. This is impacting the amount of gas they are able to provide to us,” the email explained.
Photo: Vehicles attempted to drive uphill through snow and ice Monday on Guadalupe Street in Austin. A rare winter storm caused temperatures to plummet and covered a large part of the state in snow. Credit: Evan L’Roy/The Texas Tribune
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