Thread by @wesrap

Inbox: @GovAbbott will host a press conference at 3p from one of the state operations centers to provide an update on TX response to winter weather and power outages. #txlege #txwx

Press conference delayed until approx 3:30, I'm told.

Gov @GregAbbott_TX gets briefing on winter storm response and power outages. #txlege #txwx
🎥: @toddinsports

Abbott says transportation issues will remain challenging in every region of Texas until temps warm up this weekend. #txlege #txwx

Abbott issued order effective today thru 2/21 requiring natural gas producers shipping to locations outside of TX to "instead sell that natural gas to TX power generators. That will also increase the power that's going to be produced & sent to homes here in TX." #txlege #txwx

Abbott encourages Texans without water to consider turning of water supply to try to prevent flow so pipes have lower chance of bursting when temps warm up. #txlege #txwx

Abbott suggests people "begin to work with a plumber."
"Get plumbers lined up and work with your insurance company" Abbott says. Keep receipts, he says. May be able to get reimbursed for certain expenses by FEMA. #txlege #txwx

Abbott says he's issuing a waiver for anyone who is previously licensed as a plumber, but hasn't completed continuing education-- you can apply for a license to assist to help people thru winter storm, Abbott says. #txlege #txwx

Abbott: "we are urging the insurance businesses in Texas, to bring in as many interests adjusters from across the state as possible" to help with disaster claims. #txlege #txwx

Abbott says National Guard assisting with warming centers & roadways, "and providing air crews for a variety of different efforts to make sure that we are better able as a state to address this challenge." #txlege #txwx

Now- @TDEM @chiefkidd says more than 4,500 @TxDOT employees on road right now operating over 740 snowplows. #txlege #txwx

DPS Troopers have delivered blood to hospitals, delivered fuel to power plants, relocated residents from nursing homes. 3,300 @TxDPS troopers on the roads right now, Chief Kidd says. #txlege #txwx

#txlege #txwx

Also, over 430 @TexasGameWarden(s) have delivered supplies and moved resources as needed. @TXMilitary delivering water, cots, blankets, etc to people as needed. #txlege #txwx

Chief Kidd says @TXForestService is helping clear roads. #txlege #txwx

Need a warm place to stay? @TDEM list here: tdem.texas.gov/warm/

You ever heard of the Pony Express? @TDEM @chiefkidd says during #COVID19, the @tamusystem partners shifted supplies and resources around the state. Same system happening now for the winter weather. #txlege #txwx

State hearing of oxygen issues at some hospitals and pipe breaks in some hospitals. Ironing those out individually, Chief Kidd says. #txlege #txwx

Now- @txrrc chair @ChristiCraddick says parts of West & S TX: "we're beginning to unfreeze... we've been working with the PUC to try to make sure there is electricity out to some of these well sites and these processing plants so gas can start moving in this state." #txlege #txwx

Craddick: Please don't use gas where you aren't supposed to. TX having several reports of carbon monoxide poisoning, @ChristiCraddick says. #txlege #txwx

Abbott: State working to address water quality issues. #txwx #txlege

Head of @TCEQ says 332 local water systems in 110 counties statewide impacted by this weather. 276 boil water notices issued. #txlege #txwx

TCEQ inquiring with @EPA about connecting with labs in other states to help with testing to avoid bottleneck, @TCEQ exec dir Toby Baker says. #txwx #txlege

Time for Q&A: Abbott says he's done more than 2 dozen interviews over past 24 hours & acknowledged every source of power has been compromised in TX. #txlege #txwx

If we rely solely upon green energy, that would be a challenge, Abbott says. We don't rely solely upon green energy. #txwx #txlege

Abbott: both House and Senate will begin investigations next week to evaluate what was and wasn't done for decision process and action process "making sure we get to the root of any missteps that took place" #txlege #txwx