Millions of Americans are still without power during the winter weather emergency that's sweeping the U.S. — including nearly 1.8 million Texans, per utility tracker poweroutage.us. Some have also lost water services.
The big picture: Texas has been particularly badly hit by the deadly storm, with infrastructure damaged and pipes frozen. Officials told some 7 million Texans Wednesday to boil tap water before drinking it.
City-wide boil water notice issued due to power loss at Ullrich Water Treatment Plant and drop in water pressure below minimum standards. We are working with #Austin Energy to assess the system. Boil water for consumption. Follow guidelines at https://t.co/cReBGhnJAp pic.twitter.com/dzD0YjFuYu
— Austin Water (@AustinWater) February 18, 2021
A Gallery Furniture store has opened as a shelter in Houston, Texas, on Feb. 17. The Biden administration is sending emergency generators to the state, as blackouts are expected to last until at least Feb. 18 Photo: Zach Chambers/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A sign states that a Fiesta Mart is closed because of a power outage in Austin, Texas on Feb. 17. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has called for an investigation into the state's power grid. Photo: Montinique Monroe/Getty Images
Customers wait outside at a Home Depot in Pearland, Texas, to enter the store to buy supplies on Feb. 17. The store would only let one person in at a time because of a power outage. Photo: Thomas Shea/AFP via Getty Images
A city of Austin worker operates a bulldozer to restore water in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 17. Photo: Thomas Ryan Allison/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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