COLLIN COUNTY, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – Some North Texans have been without power for so long due to blackouts that resorted to living in their cars.
It has been a frustrating struggle to stay warm.
RELATED: The Dallas and Fort Worth ISDs cancel classes in the next 2 days. Great lack of energy, winter climate
There have been short and temporary blackouts in the neighborhoods to manage the overwhelming demand, but some say they have been taken aback by how long they have been without electricity.
“I’m wearing several layers of clothing to keep my body warm,” said Clint Cash, a resident of Collin County.
The 44-year-old man lives in the city of Nevada.
He is wrapped up and riding in the freezing cold in his car parked in front of his house.
“So, practically from 5:30 am, 5:30 am to 6:00 am yesterday, electricity was cut off,” he said.
Clint Cash is living in his car during a power outage. (credit: Clint Cash)
Cash is one of many North Texans who have no power in their homes because of blackouts.
He said his home went dark on Sunday afternoon.
RELATED: Oncor says it is responding to two energy sector emergencies by getting electricity back
“I think it may have come back around seven-thirty and then I went back down. I tried to stay in my bed, but it’s hard to eat a lot because I had microwave dinners that I bought in case I got stuck and couldn’t use the microwave, ”he said.
These microwave meals are now being stored in the snow.
Cash says the streets around his rural home are dangerous.
So, for now, he’s more comfortable using the warmth of his vehicle, which is parked in an open area, to keep warm.
“It was very cold and, of course, getting colder, but honestly I slept with all my clothes, pretty much what I’m wearing now, I slept. I’m taking it minute by minute, day after day. I don’t intend to drive, ”he said.
Cash also cannot use his blood pressure machine, which he uses every night to monitor heart problems.
Still, he is trying to remain positive and warm.
“It is a pity, but it is not the end of the world. We can take it, ”he said.
MOST: Bitter cold, coupled with power outages, makes northern Texans ingenious
For now, Cash and others like him are counting on their vehicles, fireplaces or many extra layers of clothing to keep warm until the energy returns.