Celebrities are sending their love to Texas, where thousands of residents and businesses are still without power amid a brutal winter storm that has brought frigid weather to the South.
CBS News reports that the state’s failure to weather-proof many power-generating facilities exacerbated the crisis and led to millions of homes and businesses losing electricity. According to the outlet, boil water advisories were in place in some areas, as the lack of power crippled water plants and also resulted in burst pipes in many homes. Exposure to the bitter cold temperatures and lack of power has also led to an increase in 911 calls and hospitalizations.
Matthew McConaughey, who hails from Uvalde, Texas, was one of the first to share his support, tweeting, “I am sending prayers of resilience and the humanity of the helping hand out to all Texans that are struggling with the freeze.”
James Van Der Beek, who moved to the state last year, took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday to let his fans know that he and his family were “now without water.” The former Dawson’s Creek star also urged his followers to donate to food banks and reach out to anyone they may know in Texas.
“I’m really just sending a lot of good vibes out to everybody out there who is without power, without water,” he explained in a series of videos. “It’s a very serious situation so if you know anybody in Texas and there’s any way you can support, just reach out [and] ask how they’re doing. Texas is not used to this and they’re not really prepared for it.”
“Local food banks are always a great donation,” he continued. “They take and supply more than just food. And a phone call can go a long way.”
Meanwhile, on Thursday’s Today, Texas native Jenna Bush Hager told co-host Hoda Kotb that the last couple of days have been “really, really difficult.”
“I’ve gotten to speak to some family and friends that are down there,” she shared. “I think people are easy to make jokes, like, ‘Well, Texans, they can’t deal with two inches of snow’ or whatever. They’re not prepared for weather like this. The houses, the pipes weren’t built [for it]. And I know this sounds silly, but people don’t have warm clothes like we do up here [in New York].”
“It’s been 14-degree weather. It’s getting warmer, it’s on a warming trend, thank god, but it is really, really bad,” she added. “There are so many ways we can help, and people are helping in enormous ways. And that is the beautiful thing. There’s this hashtag #LoveThyNeighbor. Even by putting that hashtag on your Instagram, it raises money to get food to people who need it.”
Multiple cast members from The Real Housewives of Dallas have also spoken out and shared their experiences via social media. Stephanie Hollman said on her Instagram Stories on Thursday that she and her family finally got their power back after three days without it.
“I know so many of you are cold, scared and just trying to keep your family warm,” she added in a post shared to her feed. “Sending you my love and prayers. Check on your friends and neighbors, especially the elderly who may be unable to reach out for help. All my love to you ❤️.”
