Winter might be well underway, but a polar vortex is expected to impact much of the country including Texas, with forecasts predicting possible snowfall in the Lonestar State.
With a potent cold front impacting Texas comes the need to turn on heating units and to prepare to stay inside most of the day, but that also means higher electricity bills.
Meteorologists are also forecasting possible snowfall or wintry precipitation for the South Plains and the Panhandle regions during the week, which also means a chance for dangerous driving conditions
With all that in mind, here is what you need to know about the polar vortex and how to stay safe and warm.
Dig Deeper: Winter storm expected to dump snow, ice, from Plains to mid-Atlantic: See latest forecast
What is a polar vortex?
Temperatures could hit single digits in much of the northeast during the polar vortex, according to forecasters.
According to the National Weather Service, a polar vortex “is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s pole.”
When it strengthens during the winter time, the polar vortex expands, sending cold air southward with the jet stream.
When will the polar vortex impact Texas?
Snow falls across Lubbock, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023.
It is expected to hit Texas on Sunday night and into Monday morning and will last throughout the week.
The NWS in Lubbock has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook stating that “Light snow accumulations are possible across the far southwestern Texas Panhandle and northwestern South Plains Tuesday into Wednesday.”
Will the polar vortex impact ERCOT’s energy grid?
In a social media post on Jan. 2, ERCOT reported that it is monitoring the grid as the polar vortex approaches, adding that “grid conditions are expected to be normal.”
Dig Deeper: ERCOT meteorologist says Texas winter weather patterns are similar to 2021
How to monitor ERCOT energy grid?
Live conditions of the ERCOT energy grid can be monitored at ercot.com.
Individuals can also do the following to get updated information about the grid:
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And/or download the ERCOT mobile app for iOS and Android.
What are some tips for saving energy, protecting your home during the winter?
A spokesperson for Reliant Energy relayed some energy-saving tips to help you stay warm without breaking the bank.
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Check your thermostat — If you have an electric heater, keeping your thermostat around 68 degrees can help you save energy. For every degree above 68, you can typically expect a 3-5% increase in heating costs.
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Let the sun in — If the sun is shining, open blinds and shades during the day and remove any solar screens to naturally warm your home. Close them at night to help block out the chill.
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Close heat escape routes — Keep the chimney damper closed when not in use and be mindful of how often you’re opening entry doors and using bathroom or utility room ventilation fans, as heat can escape through these outlets.
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Set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise — This helps force warm air down from the ceiling into the room to create a more comfortable environment.
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Weatherstrip exterior doors and window — With minimal effort and cost, you can seal out the cold and save up to 10% on total energy costs.
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Protect your pipes — Shut off exterior faucets, drain water from outdoor pipes and insulate them if a hard freeze is expected (28 degrees or lower for an extended period of time) to prevent them from bursting.
For more tips, visit reliant.com/wintertips.
What to do if I need help paying my winter energy bill?
Individuals can call 211 or visit 211texas.org to get help paying their winter electric bills.
Individuals can also contact their energy provider to discuss specific programs or aid.
How to stay safe when driving on icy roads during the winter?
With the NWS in Lubbock forecasting a chance of snow and wintry precipitation, the threat of ice forming on roadways is a possibility.
The Texas Department of Transportation advises drivers to consult with drivetexas.org to check road conditions prior to heading out.
AAA advises those driving during these conditions to keep a winter emergency kit in the car in case individuals are stranded or in a crash and must wait for first responders.
Cars drive along Marsha Sharp Freeway, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023.
Here are some items you should pack in the kit:
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First aid kit with extra medications.
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Extra cell phone charger.
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Non-perishable food and water.
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Sports drinks, as water might freeze in the car.
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Road flares or reflective triangles
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Kitty litter for giving car traction if stuck.
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Lock and windshield de-icer.
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Warm clothing (boots, hats and gloves).
If individuals must brave the cold to drive, AAA advises drivers to ensure tires are properly inflated, the vehicle has at least half a tank of gas at all times, never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed space and do not use cruise control on any slippery surfaces.
When driving in snow, AAA gives the following tips:
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Stay home and only go out if necessary.
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Drive slowly and accelerate and decelerate gradually.
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Increase distance when driving behind another vehicle.
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Know if the vehicle breaks are anti-locking or not.
How to keep pets safe during winter months?
Pets are family, so ensure they are cared for during the winter months.
A resident walks with her dog during heavy snow shower on the 8th StreetThursday, jan. 1, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has provided the following winter pet safety tips:
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Keep the home humidified and towel dry your pet when they come inside from snow.
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Pay attention to their feet and in-between the toes and remove any snowballs from between his foot pads.
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Don’t shave your pet to the skin during winter months.
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Wash your pet’s paws after a walk to remove chemicals and salts as they irritate their paws.
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Feed pets a little more than usual during winter months as they burn more energy staying warm.
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Ensure animals have a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts.
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Overall, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: tips to keep energy bill low, stay safe during polar vortex in Texas