As millions of people brace for an arctic blast that is expected to bring extreme cold to much of the country, cities are warning residents to prepare now for potentially dangerous winter weather ahead of the holiday weekend.
have all issued travel alerts and are waiving change fees depending on date and destination.
Cities throughout the country are opening warming centers this week, including Chicago, Houston, San Antonio, Atlanta and Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which oversees about 90% of Texas’ energy production, said changes have been made since then to increase grid reliability and resiliency.
Houston will open shelters ahead of a freeze that could make temperatures feel as cold as 2 degrees, according to the city's Office of Emergency Management. San Antonio will also open warming centers.