Texas Freeze as Seen on Social Media

Texans are currently finding themselves in a different sort of lockdown after the state was slammed by the worst winter storm in its history. Many of the state’s 29 million residents are finding themselves without power, heat, and other supply shortages. Almost half of the population is under a boil water notice, with some going as far as gathering snow in order to flush their toilets.

The big question is: could this situation have been avoidable?

Though we’re still trying to figure out how to control the weather itself, the Lone Star State’s last brush of intense cold weather back in 2011 showed how susceptible its independent electrical grid is to failure. 10 years later, we see the same issues arise again with an all too familiar and disappointing reaction from government officials.

So while Greg Abbott hops on Fox News blaming the systems failures on frozen turbines and Ted Cruz jumps ship to Cancún, their constituents continue to brace the inclement weather. Here are some of the scenes from the storm via social media.

Texas fact@tedcruz fled to Cancun.@BetoORourke is busy providing resources for fellow desperate Texans.

Domino's workers, who Cruz refuses to give a $15 minimum wage to, are exhausted after running out of food to give to fellow Texans. #TexasFreeze pic.twitter.com/8Qm99zjYPf

— Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez (@cristinanextgen) February 18, 2021

I'm doing alright. I appreciate everyone's concern. Damn, it's COLD!#TexasFreeze pic.twitter.com/xXwGBA62bj

— Stevie Ray (@RealStevieRay) February 18, 2021

Be careful when starting your car…animals could be under or on your car for the warmth. #Galveston #Dallas #TexasFreeze #texaswinterstorm #TexasIsClosed #Texas #TexasWeather #texassnow #Brrrr pic.twitter.com/oZSMAq8FJ4

— Page 🇺🇸 (@Page08) February 15, 2021

Fields of ice! #TexasFreeze pic.twitter.com/OV2L8AGCNm

— S. N. Rodriguez (@Nicole4thoughts) February 13, 2021

This is not a third world country. This is Houston, Texas. I spotted a line of people filing up buckets of water from a spicket at Haden Park. Why? Millions either have no water or are under a Boil Water Advisory. pic.twitter.com/VHYH5Hbqjj

— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) February 18, 2021

“Wow, this looks more apocalyptic than at the beginning of the pandemic” #TexasFreeze pic.twitter.com/TFhZDJnOAs

— Roxanne Werner (@thisisroxanne) February 19, 2021

The frozen part of my pool is now solid enough to stand on. pic.twitter.com/y4Bg8lxwyB

— Pablo Sanchez ☩  (@ThomasBlackGG) February 17, 2021

A woman’s car is frozen because of a burst pipe leaking water inside her Downtown Dallas parking garage. She’s grateful that it’s just a vehicle — and spoke of some Texans evacuating homes and apartments because of similar issues. Hear from her on @FOX4 at 9/10. #TexasFreeze pic.twitter.com/zsihmWJneQ

— David Sentendrey (@DavidSFOX4) February 18, 2021

https://twitter.com/arb/status/1362530031998668803

To everyone weathering the freeze in Texas right now, stay safe!