HOUSTON — Texas residents are facing an extraordinary period over the next few days.
The state is already under a disaster declaration as a powerful winter storm barrels toward southeast Texas.
Gov. Greg Abbott also plans to ask for a federal emergency declaration ahead of storm.
“The severity of the cold weather that is about to be experienced here in the coming days is unprecedented in Texas history,” Gov. Abbott exclaimed.
The entire state is high alert.
Gov. Abbott warns time is running out to get ready for winter weather unlike any other to hit this region in a long time.
He said harsh conditions are expected, and travel will be nearly impossible so be ready to hunker down if you venture out.
“Imagine if you’re out on the road and you run out of gas, or imagine you’re on the roadway and your run into snow and you’re incapable of moving, who knows how long you will be stuck in that position?” Gov. Abbott said.
In Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner is encouraging everyone to take of their pipes, plants, pets and people.
“There are seniors, for example, in our city that are living in homes, and there is very little heat, if there is heat at all. Please, please check on them," Mayor Turner said.
The George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston will open its doors at 2 p.m. Sunday.
It will become a shelter for people needing a warm place to stay.
Down by the coast, Galveston County Office of Emergency Management coordinator Scott Tafuri said they’re treating this winter weather like they do tropical storms.
“Hopefully you already have your hurricane kit built from previous years, so hopefully you have that stuff on hand already," Tafuri said.
Officials said grab what you need now if you haven’t done so.
They want people where they plan to ride out the storm by Sunday night.
“This is going to be a very challenging time for Texas and for Texans. But it is a challenge that we know our fellow Texans are up to," Gov. Abbott said.
He said power demand could potentially exceed supply during Monday and Tuesday, so power outages are a big threat as well.
Officials stress it is up to all of us to do our part.