A Winter Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for portions of North & Central Texas, including Ellis County. Here is the forecast and other important storm-related details.
SOLID WASTE SERVICES
Waste Connections, the City's solid waste disposal provider, has informed the City that due to the certainty of icy road conditions on Thursday, solid waste pickup will be suspended. Thursday trash pickup will be combined with Monday trash pickup. We will update this information as soon as we are notified whether service will resume on Friday.
WINTER STORM WARNING DETAILS
The entire forecast area is now under a Winter Storm Warning that begins in the northwest Wednesday afternoon and continues through Thursday afternoon.
• The cold front will move through the entire region Wednesday with temperatures falling into the teens and 20s overnight.
• Periods of rain are expected Wednesday. The rain may be moderate to heavy at times.
• A transition from rain to a winter mix will occur from northwest to southeast Wednesday afternoon and evening. An initial transition to freezing rain and sleet is most likely.
o Widespread impacts in this area are expected around 2 to 4 p.m.
• The potential for significant icing appears most likely across eastern North Texas on Wednesday night with impacts that may include:
o Dangerous travel, tree breakage, and power outages.
o Travel impacts extending into Saturday in this region.
• Medium icing-related impacts are expected elsewhere that include the potential for:
o Ice/sleet covered bridges/overpasses and slick surface roads, icing on trees and powerlines that may cause sporadic power outages.
o Travel impacts extending into Friday or Saturday.
• Snow is expected later Wednesday over Western North Texas, with snow possible across all of North Texas on Thursday. This will likely fall and accumulate on a layer of ice.
• Precipitation is forecast to end late Thursday, but any ice, sleet, and snow would remain on the ground until Friday or Saturday when temperatures warm comfortably above freezing.
• Below zero wind-chill values are likely both Thursday and Friday night.
• Low temperatures in the single digits and teens are likely both Friday and Saturday morning. Daytime highs should warm above freezing by Friday or Saturday depending on location.
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.