Across the state is an unprecedented power shortage due to the effects of the storm. The Texas electric system is facing an unprecedented power shortage situation due to the extreme winter weather impacting the entire state, including League City, according to city news releases. As of Feb. 16 at 9 a.m. there were 4.3 million, or more than one-third of all Texas customers without power. That number had dropped to 4.04 million by 1:30 p.m.
Most city facilities—including City Hall; the public safety building; and the Hometown Heroes Recreation Center, where the city has opened a warming center for residents—are without power and running on generators.
The city encouraged those with power to conserve as much as possible to help ease the burden on the electrical grids and return power more quickly. Residents should keep household temperatures below 70 degrees and avoid using heavy appliances such as washers, dryers and dishwashers, according to the release.
Those without power can follow the following tips to remain warm, per the releases:
- Close blinds/curtains or put blankets/towels up to cover windows and provide insulation.
- Close off rooms to avoid losing heat.
- Stuff towels in cracks under exterior doors.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing, especially warm socks and gloves.
- Eat and drink food to provide energy to warm the body but avoid alcohol or caffeine.
- Light candles to act as a heat source, especially in an enclosed space.
- Don't bring generators inside your house or garage; keep them at least 30 feet away from your home.
- Do not use a stove or oven for heat, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- If you go inside a running car to stay warm, take take the vehicle outside of the garage, as opening the garage door is not enough.
Those who drive should be aware many intersections do not have working traffic signals. They should be treated like four-way stops, according to the releases.
"When power is restored, the lights will blink until the batteries charge and they reset. Use caution and remember to stop at an intersection with non-working traffic lights," one release reads.
Residents can find out which roads have ice here.
As temperatures rise and ice begins to melt, residents may find they have a broken water line or no running water. If you do not have running water or limited water pressure, the water line is likely frozen and could break when it unfreezes, according to the releases.
Residents with frozen pipes should locate the water supply value to shut off the supply. This valve is usually located inside or near the garage or on the side of homes near spigots.
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Those who experience breaks and cannot shut off the main water supply valve should call 281-554-1390, not 911, the releases read. The city water supply is not experiencing any shortages or water pressure issues.
Residents are advised to use water only for essential tasks to help maintain water pressure during the winter event.
