Massive Power Outages Hit Texas as Winter Storm Batters State

Over 4 Million Customers Left Without Electricity as Grid Struggles to Meet Demand

Record-breaking cold and ice have led to widespread power outages in Texas, leaving millions of customers without electricity amid a brutal winter storm.

As of Tuesday morning, over 4 million customers in Texas were without power, according to PowerOutage.us. The outages have been caused by a combination of factors, including record-low temperatures, ice buildup on power lines, and increased demand for electricity.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates the state's power grid, has declared an energy emergency and has ordered rolling blackouts to conserve power. The blackouts are expected to last for several hours at a time and could continue for days.

The storm has also caused widespread disruptions to transportation and communication. Roads are icy and impassable in many areas, and flights have been canceled at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and other major airports in the state.

Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster and has deployed the Texas National Guard to assist with recovery efforts. The state is also receiving aid from the federal government, including generators and emergency supplies.

The power outages have left many Texans struggling to stay warm and safe. Shelters have been opened across the state, and residents are being urged to conserve energy and stay off the roads.