The original item was published from 12/21/2022 1:36:19 PM to 6/1/2023 12:46:03 PM.

News Flash

Severe Weather

Posted on: December 21, 2022

[ARCHIVED] Winter Weather Advisory

An Arctic cold front will bring strong winds and bitterly cold air into Southeast Texas, most likely Thursday afternoon. We will see a period of extreme cold, low wind chills, starting Thursday afternoon and night with sub-freezing temperatures continuing for a long duration (36+ hours). If forecast holds, min temps would be similar to 2021.

The combination of winds and low temperatures will combine to create dangerously low wind chill indices. Danger of hypothermia, burst water pipes, and more. Strong winds could lead to scattered power outages.

Below freezing may occur at night in most zones for an extended period
Wintry precipitation appears unlikely at this time, but we will continue to monitor
Need to prepare now to protect people, pipes, pets and plants
- PEOPLE:
  - Have extra blankets and layers ready in case power goes out
  - Check with elderly family and neighbors in case help is needed
  - Utilize heating sources properly to reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning
  - Monitor water sources as typical sources may freeze.
- PETS
  - Bring pets inside
  - Prolonged exposure to the forecasted temperatures and wind may be fatal to unprotected livestock and pets.
- PLANTS
  - Know the temperature thresholds of your plants
  - If possible, cover your plants before the cold weather to help retain heat
- PIPES
  - Open sink cabinets to expose pipes to heated air
  - Disconnect outdoor hoses and turn off water to sprinkler systems
  - Sprinkler systems must be shut off and properly drained
  - In case your pipe breaks, please contact your utility operator. To verify your Municipal Utility District and it's operator, please use this interactive map: View Map

CITY ACTIONS

The Emergency Operations Center is activated at level 4 (Normal Readiness) and is planning for level 3 (Increased Readiness) Thursday morning. This activation schedule could change based on the forecast.

Emergency Preparedness:

City buildings and vehicles will be prepared for the winter weather
Animal shelter will be staffed during the event to ensure feedings
Essential staff will remain on-call to respond if necessary
We're working in collaboration with Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs). In case your pipe breaks, please contact your utility operator. To verify your MUD and it's operator, please use this interactive map: View Map
Water fountains for parks have been drained and shut down and all restrooms at parks are closed. Restrooms will remain closed until Tuesday
Veterans memorial fountain will remain running to keep water circulating
Splash pad control rooms will have space heaters added to them and the Ridgeview splash pad has been drained
Emergency Management is monitoring weather, attending local and state conference calls and providing situational awareness to internal and external partners
Fire Stations are prepared and generators have been checked to ensure they are ready in case we lose electricity