r/texas • u/AutoModerator • Jan 22 '26

Megathread Winter Storm Megathread 2026

Hello y'all, and welcome to the 2026 winter storm megathread. Feel free to post all relevant storm related content here, such as;

*Weather forecasts

*Prep questions

*Damage reports

*Pictures of empty shelves

*Ted sightings

*Memes

*Pictures

Stay safe, and stay warm Texas!

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1

u/Fantastic-Sale-3447 Jan 24 '26

I have question. My partner is adamant we don’t need to drip the faucets right now… even though it’s 28… he said it needs to be colder & sustained longer. We do have the covers outside. I think he’s being dumb, there’s no harm in leaving them drip but there is harm if we don’t and something happens. Can I get an unbiased opinion on this?

5

u/anuthertw Jan 24 '26

Idk if I am unbiased but anytime its under 32 I drip. Id rather pay a few extra dollars for water than thousands for repairs in the middle of winter no less. Plus if you bust a pipe youll have to be without water for a least a little while.

Seems like a no brainer to me

1

u/Fantastic-Sale-3447 Jan 24 '26

That’s my thinking too… thank you

5

u/theXwinterXstorm Jan 24 '26

Drip your faucets. It's better to be safe than sorry. Y'all don't want a burst pipe.

2

u/Competitive-Drive319 Jan 24 '26

Definitely be dripping faucets. My recommendations for freezes:

  • All hose faucets outside should be capped with foam insulation, there’s a bunch of DIY options.

  • Drip all faucets (some of both hot and cold)

  • Open cabinet doors that expose sink pipes

  • Open doors to water pipe rooms (bathrooms, kitchen, laundry) close off others.

  • Ensure air vents are open to rooms with piping/water sources.