Don’t ignore the dangers of winter weather

ELLIS COUNTY – Baby, it’s cold outside.  

For those with fireplaces that could be a good way to keep warm during this week’s weather event. However, some residents in Ellis County have no power, no water and no fireplace.

Texas governor, Greg Abbott, issued a state of emergency across the state even before the winter storm had arrived. There was also a federal emergency declared in order to make more resources available for communities impacted by this winter storm.

“Every part of the state will face freezing conditions over the coming days, and I urge all Texans to remain vigilant against the extremely harsh weather that is coming,” said Governor Abbott. 

“Stay off the roads, take conscious steps to conserve energy, and avoid dangerous practices like bringing generators indoors or heating homes with ovens or stovetops.”

Locally Ellis County Judge Todd Little said he was not certain he would be issuing a State of Emergency for the county. In part he said because when Governor Abbot declared the State of Emergency that was for all of Texas’ 254 counties, including Ellis County. “We have resources in our county,” Judge Little said. 

“Like volunteer Fire Departments, water resources, farming resources and firewood.  Ellis County residents are strong-willed.”

Little said Oncor told him there were 19,000 without power in Ellis County as of Monday night, by Tuesday that number had dropped to 17,000. 

Another issue is the fact, according to Randy Adkins, AccuWeather Meteorologist, “Life-threatening cold is an additional risk with this storm, and any motorists who become stranded on snowy or icy roads may find themselves in a dangerous situation.”

Temperatures in some areas may be in the single digits or even below zero for 12 hours or more and for anyone unprepared for such an arctic blast hypothermia and frostbite can happen quick.

Because of the cold, the ice and snow will likely be around for several days after the storm has finally cleared.