(Editor’s note: the following information was based off weather data presented on Tuesday before presstime.)
Erath County residents have been cold this week as a severe cold front hit the area over the weekend and winter weather is anticipated this week.
A Winter Weather Watch was issued Tuesday, Jan. 7 by the National Weather Service for the county and the surrounding area. Heavy snow and mixed precipitation was forecast. Total snow accumulations are forecasted between 3 and 6 inches and ice accumulations around one tenth of an inch possible for portions of north Central and northeast Texas.
“We ask that everybody takes all available steps to waterproof water lines. If travel is impacted by the weather, it will also impact public works’ ability to respond to water leaks,” Dublin City Manager Bobby Mendez said. “There has been a recent push for residents to install personal cut offs for this reason. If road conditions become hazardous, please do not attempt to travel and stay tuned to our Facebook page where public announcements will be made.”
On Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of severe winter weather expected to impact the state throughout the week.
“The State of Texas is working around-the-clock to ensure Texans have the resources and support needed as severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas,”saidGovernorAbbott. “As temperatures begin to drop below freezing and regions of Texas face snow, ice, and freezing rain, it is crucial that everyone remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance of state and local officials. Texans can find the warming center nearest them at tdem.texas.gov/warm. I thank emergency management personnel and first responders for working tirelessly to help Texans prepare and stay safe during this winter weather.”
According to the National Weather Service, areas may face disruptive snow, ice, and freezing rain, causing potentially hazardous travel conditions through the rest of the week.
Over the weekend, more than 700 Texas Department of Transportation personnel prepared for winter weather by pre-treating roads, bridges, and overpasses with over 500,000 gallons of brine and approximately 800 cubic yards of granular material.
Atthedirectionof Governor Abbott, TDEM has activated the following state emergency response resources to support winter weather response operations: Texas Department of Transportation: Winter weather roadway equipment and crews pre-treating and treating roadways; personnel and equipment to assist with traffic control and road closures Texas Division of Emergency Management: Incident Management Teams; personnel working with local partners to update warming center maps Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw crews; motor graders and personnel to assist with snow/ ice clearance Texas National Guard: High-profile vehicles and personnel responding to support stranded motorists Numerous agencies are advising people to stay off the roadways unless they absolutely have to travel. PIf travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing. Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.
Pets are also vulnerable during the cold weather.
Help keep your pets and animals safe during the colder months by doing the following: Don’t leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops.
Outdoor pets use more energy to keep warm so they will need more food when it’s cold. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen.
If your dog stays outside, provide a doghouse with a raised floor that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat. Cover the floor with a blanket (but only if the dog will not eat it) or maybe straw or wood shavings if available and make sure the door is turned to face away from the wind.
If you’re feeding homeless cats, be sure to provide an insulated shelter for them.
Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife that may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
Antifreeze has a sweet taste that can attract animals but is toxic to them. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze and other household chemicals out of reach.
Petsexposedtotemperatures in the low teens or single digits for prolonged periods can get frostbite on their feet or the tips of their ears (the skin will turn darker in color). Another symptom to be watchful for is lethargy or weakness. If you feel that your pet has been adversely affected by the cold and requires medical care, please contact your veterinarian.
(pet tips provided by the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine).