A photo of Cruz boarding a flight, reportedly to Laguna Beach, was widely shared on X, leading to millions of views and numerous mocking comments.
A spokesperson for Cruz stated the travel was 'pre-planned work travel' and that the senator would return to Texas before the storm's projected impact.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for much of Texas, warning residents to prepare for disruptive weather, including freezing temperatures, ice, and snow.