East Texas Winter Emergency: Power Outages, Icy Roads

LONGVIEW, TX – A winter emergency gripped East Texas this morning, January 24, 2026, as freezing rain caused widespread power outages and treacherous road conditions across the region. Over 4,200 customers are currently without electricity, and major roadways have been closed due to ice-related incidents.

Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) is reporting more than 3,000 customers without power in the greater Longview area, primarily impacting Gregg County and Harrison County. Upshur Rural Electric also confirmed approximately 1,200 members are experiencing outages, predominantly in Upshur County. Crews are working to address downed lines and trees reported throughout the affected areas.

Travel is strongly discouraged as roads have become dangerously slick. Interstate 20 near Hawkins Parkway in Longview experienced an overpass blockage due to ice. Further north, US 259 North was completely closed between Longview and Ore City following multiple accidents attributed to the icy conditions. Additionally, FM 2208 near Judson has been shut down to traffic.

Temperatures remain at a perilous 32 degrees Fahrenheit, with freezing rain continuing to be a significant concern. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has issued an urgent advisory, imploring all residents to stay home and avoid non-essential travel. Officials are stressing the severity of the situation, referring to it as a full-blown winter emergency for East Texas.