A Winter Storm Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for portions of North & Central Texas, including Ellis County, in effect Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon. Here are details of the forecast and actions to take now to prepare BEFORE impacts arrive!
WINTER STORM WATCH DETAILS
WHAT - Heavy mixed winter precipitation possible. The cold front arrives Wednesday, Feb. 3, with temperatures falling into the teens and 20s Wednesday night. Total snow accumulations of up to two inches and ice accumulations of up to three tenths of an inch are possible. The rain is expected to transition to a wintry mix of precipitation from northwest to southeast Wednesday evening and night as the deeper cold air arrives. At this time (Mon. Jan. 31st), an initial transition to freezing rain and sleet is most likely.
WHERE - Portions of North Central and Northeast Texas, including Ellis County.
WHEN - From Wednesday evening through Thursday afternoon. Below freezing overnight temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills (especially at night) are likely through the weekend. Snow is possible after midnight Wednesday primarily over Western North Texas, then across all of North Texas Thursday. Precipitation is forecast to end Thursday afternoon, but any ice and snow accumulations may remain until Saturday when temperatures comfortably warm above freezing.
IMPACTS –
- Travel could be very difficult.
- Ice accumulations and gusty winds on utility lines could cause power disruptions.
Hilco Electric Cooperative customers may report an outage at https://hilco.coop/ or by calling (254) 687-2331 or (800) 338-6425.
All others may report outages to Oncor and check for updates at the Oncor Storm Center website at Oncor – Outage Map or call (888) 313-4747 or text OUT to 66267.
For ERCOT updates, visit https://www.ercot.com/
- Cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
- Damage to uninsulated and/or exposed pipes.
PRECAUTIONARY & PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
- FM 663 from FM 875
- FM 1387 from FM 664
- Bus 287 from US 287 bypass/Old Ft Worth Rd Intersection
- City of Midlothian street crews are pre-treating city bridges listed here.
- Midlothian Parkway Bridge
- 8th Street Bridge
- Walter Stephenson Bridge
- For road closure Information visit:
How to prevent pipes from freezing:
- Letting faucets drip or stream slightly can help prevent damage.
- Open cabinet doors beneath sinks so room temperature air can warm the pipes.
- Make sure your heat is on, even overnight.
- Cover outdoor faucets.
- Frost on pipes could mean they are frozen.
Know how to shut off your water.
Cut off your water as soon as you suspect you have a leaking or broken pipe. If you have a city meter box, water may only be shut off by a city employee.
City of Midlothian water customers may report an emergency main break or broken service line 24 hours a day by calling (972) 775-3333.
Prepare an emergency kit.
- Drinking water and food
- Blankets, pillows, and clothing
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Basic toiletries
- Medications
- Flashlights
- Battery-operated radio
- Extra supply of batteries
- Cell phone with chargers
- Cash and credit cards
- Basic tools (duct tape, wrench, etc.)
- Important documents and numbers
- Toys, books, and games
- Baby supplies
- Pet supplies
Follow the link below for more information about winter weather preparedness.