Preparedness

Updated: Feb. 13, 2021

City officials and staff has received several inquiries regarding the upcoming winter storm. To address these concerns, staff compiled this list of frequently asked questions in relation to this topic:

Hearing that hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s are out of plumbing supplies. Is that true?

Yes. As of today, Feb. 13, Missouri City Lowe’s and Home Depot are out of plumping insulation supplies. Residents may use old towels and plastic bags as insulation substitutes and secure it with duct tape.

Gasoline was a problem during Hurricane Ike in Missouri City. The former Mayor had to get that store opened. Are you anticipating any issues with trucks getting in town for gasoline?

As of now, gas stations are expecting trucks and are not anticipating any issues. But we will closely monitor this and address it accordingly if needed.

Does food stores like HEB, Kroger, Walmart will have enough food and supplies coming in?

Similar to gasoline, as of now stores does not have supply shortages. But we will closely monitor this issue as well as the severe weather approaches.

Are schools closed?

Fort Bend ISD and Houston ISD campuses and facilities will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15 and Tuesday, Feb. 16.

Are COVID-19 vaccination sites open?

All COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites are closed on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16

Will the Animal Shelter be open next week?

Yes. The fur animals are important, so the shelter will be open regular hours.

Is trash service cancelled due to inclement weather?

As of today, Feb. 13, the Municipal Solid Waste provider WCA Waste Corp. has not issued any cancellations for services. For additional updates, please call their customer service at 281.403.5800.

For more information about Missouri City, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter and Instagram—@MissouriCityTX, and watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse).

UPDATE 6 P.M. Feb. 13:

In case you missed the 3 p.m. news conference on Facebook, see details below.

Mayor Robin J. Elackatt, Mayor Pro Tem and District C Councilmember Anthony Maroulis, District B Councilmember Jeffrey L. Boney, CEO/City Manager Odis Jones, Police Chief Mike Berezin and Fire Department Division Chief of Operations Michael Hafer participated in a City news conference at 3 p.m. today. Watch the full discussion, here 👉  https://youtu.be/wyFuv1e6mIQ. 

UPDATE 12:30 P.M. Feb. 13:

Join Mayor Robin J. Elackatt and CEO/City Manager Odis Jones at 3 p.m. today (Feb. 13) to discuss the potential severe weather impact on Missouri City and for an update on the City’s preparations here 👉 facebook.com/MissouriCityTX . 

******

UPDATE 10:50 A.M. Feb. 13:

METRO will temporarily suspend operations of transit services Monday, Feb. 15 through Tuesday, Feb. 16, due to freezing weather. METRO HOV/HOT lanes and the METRO RideStore will be closed. All METROLift trips scheduled for those dates will be cancelled.

******

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the region including Missouri City from 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14 to 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15. Temperature is to drop below freezing from Sunday night through Tuesday and winter precipitation including snow, freezing rain and/or sleet is possible.

Now is the time to prepare and protect the “4 Ps” – people, pets, plants, pipes. Residents are also encouraged to plan for possible power outages including charging all devices ahead of time, replenishing flashlight batteries and securing extra blankets. See tips below:

“We are experiencing severe weather that is the first of its kind in about 30 years,” said Mayor Robin J. Elackatt. “The safety of our citizens and staff continues to be a top priority as we monitor this emergency while we are still working to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. I encourage citizens to stay alert and avoid travel, if possible, in these dangerous conditions.”

City staff is closely watching this winter storm and is ensuring that proper preparations are in place. The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) will also activate remotely on Sunday, Feb. 14 and all non-emergency City offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15. This includes:

• City Hall Front Lobby, 1522 Texas Pkwy. 
• Inspections & Permits, 1522 Texas Pkwy. 
• Municipal Court, 3845 Cartwright Rd. 
• Recreation & Tennis Center, 2701 Cypress Point Dr. 

However, the Feb. 15 Special and Regular City Council meetings are still on schedule. Citizens and stakeholders may watch meeting live on MCTV on the City Website via this link: http://bit.ly/2LaZigz.

Hazardous travel conditions are expected on Monday including icy bridges; residents are advised to be extra cautious if traveling. Crews are monitoring all roadway conditions, and if there are areas of concern in your community, please call 281.403.8700.

“Staff is proactively preparing bridges/roadways within the City and are partnering with State and County officials to ensure roads that are managed by them are treated as well,” said City Manager Odis Jones. “As we continue to closely monitor this winter storm, City officials and staff will continue to keep residents updated through our official channels.”

As of Friday, Feb. 12 the following cancellations/closures are reported:

• Sweetheart Cinema scheduled for today, Feb. 12 was cancelled. 
• Fort Bend ISD campuses and facilities will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15 (Presidents Day) and Tuesday, Feb. 16 (inclement weather); asynchronous learning will still occur on Feb. 16. 
• Houston ISD will transition to virtual learning on Monday, Feb. 15 and Tuesday, Feb. 16. 

Citizens are encouraged to follow the City’s official websites and social media outlets to receive timely, accurate information. All weather updates including road conditions, event cancellations, office closures, solid waste service and more will be shared on these official communication outlets.

The two main platforms used by City staff to share real-time information are the MCTX Emergency Management website, www.MissouriCityReady.com and the MCTX Twitter account, Twitter.com/MissouriCityEM.

For more information about Missouri City, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).