Wintry Weather Moves Across Texas

As families visit one another during the holidays, a winter weather system decided to visit Texas. Roads became treacherous, putting Governor Rick Perry to work on Christmas Eve. He activated state resources which included Texas military forces personnel to help people who may be stranded in snow or ice situations. Most of the winter system affected areas in and around Lubbock.

In this episode of The Austin Citysphere audio podcast, television photojournalist John Salazar talks about his travels to Lubbock and how dangerous the roads became the night before Christmas Eve.

Governor Perry said families are taking to the road right now, and this system could severely affect them.

"I urge Texans in the communities impacted by this storm to be cautious, pay attention to changing weather conditions and heed warnings from your local officials," Gov. Perry said in a press statement released by the office of the Governor.

"As this storm continues to move through Texas, the state is taking precautionary measures to assist the impacted communities, and I appreciate the brave men and women who are always ready to respond to an event that places Texans in harm’s way."

The governor's press statement said severe blizzard conditions are occurring along Highway 84 south of Lubbock in Garza County, creating dangerous driving conditions. Local law enforcement, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Texas Military Forces will continue to assist motorists and any potential rescues. Garza County has also experienced massive power outages. DPS helicopters are standing by to survey the area and help provide additional assistance as soon as wind conditions allow.

The following state resources have been activated:

* 5 Texas Military Forces personnel and 10 high profile vehicles
* All TxDOT vehicles in the impacted and surrounding area continue to provide road side assistance and clear snow from the roadways
* All DPS troopers in the impacted areas and surrounding area are on duty to provide assistance to motorists and others, and the DPS Disaster District in Lubbock is fully activated

The State Operations Center is fully activated and working with the National Weather Service to closely monitor this severe weather event and others.

Lubbock, by J. Salazar

Blanketed in Snow, by J. Salazar

Snow Boy, by J. Salazar

John Salazar, by J. Salazar

In the Snow, by J. Salazar

40 miles south of Lubbock, by J. Salazar

Foot in the Snow, by J. Salazar

Christmas Light, by J. Salazar

Snow Storm, by J. Salazar