Texas is under a rare snowstorm alert, prompting panic buying and emergency action. Governor Greg Abbott has activated state emergency response resources. Cold weather will hit Austin overnight Friday, with the weekend expected to bring catastrophic conditions. Meteorologist Dylan Federico called it a “rare high-impact event,” possibly the worst since the Great Ice Storm of 1994. Federico gave four key tips: - Residents in Dallas, Shreveport, Atlanta, and Charlotte should prepare as if a hurricane is coming. - Buy non-perishable food, water, fuel, and charge devices. Protect pipes, plants, pets, and people. - Trim tree limbs near valuable property. - Avoid travel north this weekend. The storm has put 58 million people under winter storm warnings. Around 4,000 flights have been canceled. Federico warned, "An ice storm of this magnitude will cripple the I-20 corridor and flights for days. Ice could reach as far south as I-10 in Texas and western Louisiana. This is trending toward a historic storm." Extreme cold will follow the storm, with wind chills in single digits near the Gulf Coast and below zero inland. Power outages along and north of the I-20 corridor could make conditions life-threatening. Federico stressed, "Make sure to protect pipes, plants, pets, and people before this weekend." Videos on social media show empty shelves in Texas stores like H-E-B as people rush to buy essentials. H-E-B responded, "At H-E-B, our top priority is taking care of Texas. We regularly prepare for extreme weather. All stores remain open, deliveries continue, and our Partners restock shelves to serve customers." Texans are urged to brace for a historic and dangerous winter event.