We got lucky

About a half an hour before sunrise Sunday, the City of Spur posted on its Facebook page that a main water valve on West Harris Street was leaking, and that the city’s water had to be shut down.

Whether winter storm Landon was a factor in the leak is yet to be known.

But if that’s the only damage from the storm, we are lucky.

Some Texas politicians are taking a victory lap now that Landon has left the state, but that is probably premature.

Lest we forget, last February in Texas, more than 4.5 million homes and businesses were left without power, some for several days. At least 246 people were killed directly or indirectly, with some estimates as high as 702 killed as a result of the crisis.

Experts have said that this year's storm was not as severe as last year’s, and noted that the power grid may still be fragile if temperatures drop lower. Last year Uri saw temperatures fall below zero and stay freezing for more than a week straight, while Landon this year had many fewer days dip below 32 degrees.

This week’s storm still caused thousands of power outages, but the damage was nowhere near as widespread or disastrous.

In short, we got lucky. The state still remains vulnerable because Austin has not set requirements for winterization of the gas system.

Governor Greg Abbott should be commended for recent measures taken to protect the power grid, including a 15

In short, we got lucky. percent increase in generator supplies from last year and a greater availability of alternative fuels at generator facilities. But that is just a start.

The public should not be lured into thinking Texas is not vulnerable to extreme winter weather conditions. Landon was no Uri.

2022 is an election year, and town halls will be like tumbleweeds blowing through small burgs, seeking a final destination.

Austin’s accountability is driven by grassroots feedback. If you have an opportunity to ask a question, find out if those seeking to represent you at the state capital feel that the Texas electrical grid is ready to protect us from another Uri, and if not, what action will they take to protect us.