As freeze approaches, Gov. Abbott says ERCOT, Texas power grid ready for 'extraordinarily cold weather'

Plus: 'Mini-surge' of COVID-19 joins flu, RSV to raise infection risk over holidays, Houston doctors say ‌‌

View in browser Afternoon Report Dec. 21, 2022 END OF YEAR SALE: 6 MONTHS FOR 99¢! Start 2023 as a digital subscriber. Subscribe Today. Top Stories   Gov. Abbott says ERCOT and Texas power grid ready for 'extraordinarily cold weather' this week While he called the temperatures and winter storm dangerous, leading to increased electricity demand, he said ERCOT should be able to handle the demand "with ease."   'Mini-surge' of COVID-19 joins flu, RSV to raise infection risk over holidays, Houston doctors say Texas Medical Center data shows COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased recently. Experts say the risk will increase as people travel and gather for the holidays.   Everything Houstonians need to know about the winter freeze, from Texas grid updates to travel info A hard freeze will hit Houston Thursday, bringing extremely low temperatures with sub-zero wind chills for several days through the holiday weekend. Here's the latest information on the freeze and everything Houstonians should know.    Huntsville to pay private company to run city library months after removing LGBTQ+ display The city just north of Houston has hired a private company to handle library operations, months after administrators banned library displays.   What to buy ahead of the Houston freeze Planning ahead will help you avoid going out in freezing weather and get ahead as stores are already selling out of freeze essentials.   Visit HoustonChronicle.com Sponsored Content   18 gifts for Disney adults that are always dreaming about their next trip While they may not make it to the Disney parks every weekend, you can give them the gift of Disney this year during the holiday season.   10 Houston Astros-inspired gifts guaranteed to hit a home run Fans of the World Series champs deserve some champion gifts this year .   Sign Up   Flavor Satisfy your cravings with the latest Houston food news and recipes Sign Up               END OF YEAR SALE: 6 MONTHS FOR 99¢! Unlimited Digital Access Act Now No Commitment | Cancel Anytime Unsubscribe  |  Manage Preferences  |  Privacy Notice Houston Chronicle 4747 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027 © 2022 Hearst Communications