UPDATE: Texas Senator Ted Cruz is under heavy criticism after being spotted boarding a flight to California on January 21, 2026, just as a massive winter storm is poised to impact his home state. The storm, named Winter Storm Fern, is expected to unleash significant snow, freezing rain, and sleet across Texas, creating hazardous conditions for millions.
Forecasters warn that temperatures in Texas could plummet to the 10s over the weekend, raising concerns about the state’s vulnerable power grid, which struggled during previous winter weather crises. The backlash against Cruz echoes his controversial vacation during a deadly winter storm in 2021, when he was criticized for traveling to Cancun while his constituents faced dire conditions.
Social media is ablaze with mockery as internet users have begun to associate Cruz’s travels with impending disasters, with comments like, “Ted Cruz on a plane is an omen of severe winter storms.” This sentiment highlights the growing frustration among Texans, especially with the impending state of emergency.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, activating the Texas Division of Emergency Management and deploying the Texas National Guard to assist with potential power outages and hazardous travel conditions. Areas of North Texas are expected to remain below freezing for several days, with some locations unlikely to thaw until next week.
A spokesman for Cruz defended the senator’s trip, stating it was “pre-planned work travel” organized weeks in advance. However, critics argue that his absence during a crisis reflects poorly on his commitment to his constituents.
The approaching storm is not just a Texas issue; over 180 million Americans across multiple states from Texas to the Northeast are expected to be affected as Winter Storm Fern sweeps through. Winter storm watches have already been issued from New Mexico to the Southeast, escalating concerns about safety and preparedness.
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on Cruz’s response and his return to Texas as the storm threatens to bring chaos. The senator is currently not in Washington, as the Senate is on recess, which may further fuel public discontent regarding his actions during a critical time.
With the storm’s arrival imminent, many are left wondering how Cruz will address the situation upon his return and what measures will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of Texans as severe weather looms.
