Grace Griffin, Austin American-Statesman
·4 min read
Though Texas is projected to get a winter storm including rain, snow, and cold fronts in coming days, it's unlikely to be as severe as last year's deadly Texas freeze.
Most Texans, however, cannot help but draw a parallel between the two, recalling the two-week long freeze that resulted in a major power grid crisis and a multitude of deaths. As the February 10 anniversary looms closer, Texans took to Twitter to look back on the horrors of last year and anticipate the impending storm using #TexasFreeze. And, they're not shy about calling out lawmakers for their remarks ahead of this week's storm.
Read more: ERCOT expects higher power use amid cold snap, but says Texas grid can handle demand
Here's what Twitter users are saying:
Nerves high in preparation for this week's winter storm
While this year's wintry mix isn't supposed to cause the same devastation as last year's storm, many Twitter users still shared sentiments of anxiety around the impending weather.
If you weren’t aware, half of Texas is having one big PTSD episode this week. All the news stations are doing side by side comparisons of now and last February to try and calm everyone down b/c everyone is having anxiety. Pray for us. #WinterStorm #ERCOT #Texas #TexasFreeze pic.twitter.com/knvQR2vtnj
— Ashley (@anr131) February 1, 2022
Oh goody, it must be February in Texas.😒 Do we trust the grid though? Powers that be say we're good. 🤞🏾Time will tell. 🙄 #TexasFreeze https://t.co/ybBRsN4PG2
— Denise ✨ (@dejoyworld) February 1, 2022
I guess we’re to lucky to have gotten a home with a fireplace in case of another #TexasFreeze. We just don’t know how to light it. 😅 pic.twitter.com/zU9QSagCuQ
— Lora (@loraetc) February 2, 2022
Made this in Feb of last year, and here we are again. If you're unsure of how to deal with a #TexasFreeze watch the first half of this for tips before the power goes out. https://t.co/alRzLU2i7H
— Beau of The Fifth Column (@BeauTFC) February 2, 2022
When your dog thinks it’s a bath for him but it’s actually #texasfreeze prep pic.twitter.com/no8WB1gaTP
— Monica Rodriguez (she/her/ella) (@loveleemonicaa) February 2, 2022
A lot of people worried about another blackout in Texas. This… isn’t the back of the line at HEB. pic.twitter.com/q09cse4jPQ
— David Leffler (@DavidJLeffler) February 2, 2022
Remembering last year's deadly Texas freeze
Some users shared thoughts and memories regarding last year's freeze, drawing parallels to this year and highlighting the tragedies many Texans faced in 2021.
Anyone else have PTSD from last year?? Trying not panic or over prepare but it's tough when you have no faith in your governor #TexasFreeze
— though Burgergirl3 be but little, she is fierce (@Burgergirl31) February 2, 2022
FYI the #TexasFreeze is not a joking matter.
People died last year. I watched my kids freeze until we could get to shelter.
It’s not a punchline.
— Tinu :Empress of Twerk, Thirst of My Line (@Tinu) February 2, 2022
So grateful I moved out of Texas so I don’t have to worry I’ll be without electricity like last year. Stay safe Texas and for god’s sake stop voting for people who don’t care if you freeze to death. #TexasFreeze
— bullfish (@bullfish777) February 2, 2022
Calling out Texas lawmakers' lack of infrastructure changes
Texas legislators from Gov. Greg Abbott to Sen. Ted Cruz are coming under fire for lack of preparations for winter weather since last year. Humor can be a good coping mechanism, too, as evidenced by some of these tweets putting a funny spin on critiques and mistrust of lawmakers.
Greg Abbott to everybody in Texas re #texasfreeze 2022: pic.twitter.com/08B8RhDpWU
— Roxi Copland (@roxicopland) February 1, 2022
Live look at Ted Cruz preparing for the #TexasFreeze pic.twitter.com/3maDF8HT4F
— P.L. Colter (@plcolter) February 2, 2022
Hey Greg Abbott, maybe you would've saw this coming if you weren't so busy banning mask, banning books, banning abortions, suppressing voting rights, building border wall, vax mandates and etc.#TexasFreeze #AbbottFailedTexas #Fresh pic.twitter.com/HiN8ja45mA
— Alicia Smith 💙🌊🌊 #FBR (@AliciaSmith987) February 2, 2022
95% of Texans are more concerned about staying warm and alive the next few days than global inflation that Biden didn't create. We blame the Texas GOP for our current conditions. Stop trying to distract us with easily disproved nonsense.
Y'all FAILED Miserably! #TexasFreeze https://t.co/Mk2Vxq7vLq
— Russell Foster for Texas (@RussellFosterTX) February 2, 2022
Dear Greg Abbott:
You took away my right to an abortion and now you took away my right to stay warm. #TexasFreeze— Sara Spector (@Miriam2626) February 2, 2022
As I watch the snow fall in Colorado, I know my power will stay on. My gas will stay on. I am warm and safe. I hope that Texas citizen will be able to say the same. They deserve safety and comfort as much as anyone else. They deserve infrastructure that works. #TexasFreeze
— Katie Porter’s White Board (@OhDangitEvie) February 2, 2022
Grace Griffin is a digital producer for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at ggriffin@gannett.com or on Twitter @GraceMGriffin.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Ahead of winter storm 2022, talk of Texas freeze trends on Twitter
