A Winter Storm Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for portions of North & Central Texas, including Ellis County. In effect Wednesday morning through Thursday evening, here are details of the forecast, current impacts on city services, road conditions, and preparations you should take.
STATUS OF GARBAGE COLLECTION & OTHER CITY SERVICES
Garbage Collection Suspended till Friday
Waste Connections, the City's solid waste disposal provider, has informed the City that due to icy road conditions today, recycling pickup is being suspended immediately. Thursday solid waste pickup will also be cancelled. Friday solid waste pickup will be a late start. Normal operations will resume on Monday.
A.H. Meadows Library - will close at 4 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 23, be closed on Thurs., Feb. 24, and be closed as usual on Friday, Feb. 25.
All City Sport Fields - Are closed as of Wed., Feb. 23. Park restrooms are closed until Fri., Feb. 25.
Senior Activity Center - Closing early on Wed. and will be closed Thursday.
COVID-19 Testing Kiosk at MISD Stadium - Closing Wednesday afternoon and Thursday.
WINTER STORM ADVISORY DETAILS
WHAT - A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect through 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, for North Texas and parts of Central Texas. The Metroplex and points north to the Red River have been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning. Areas of rain, freezing rain and sleet have developed across our North Texas counties this morning. This initial wave of precipitation has moved quickly to the northeast with areas of very light freezing drizzle possible through the afternoon. Another wave of more significant wintry precipitation expected to develop tonight into early Thursday.
WHEN:
- Today: Generally a lull in precipitation and icing potential is expected. Icy conditions in heavily traveled areas may see some improvement. Bridges and overpasses will be the most impacted through this afternoon, but some areas that received heavier precipitation earlier this morning may see impacted surface roads.
- Tonight through Thursday morning: Deteriorating travel conditions are expected after sunset into Thursday morning, when the bulk of ice accumulations are expected to occur. Travel on surface roads and especially on bridges and overpasses will become difficult and dangerous in the advisory and warning areas.
- Thursday night through Friday morning: Additional light freezing rain and/or light sleet is possible across areas south of I-20 Thursday night through Friday morning. Additional ice accumulations should be very minor, but may result in icing on bridges and overpasses, and maybe a few slick spots on main roadways, until temperatures warm up near freezing (in the morning hours).
IMPACTS –
- Travel could be challenging.
- Ice accumulations 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.
- Cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken.
- Damage to uninsulated and/or exposed pipes.
LOCAL ROAD CONDITIONS -
As of 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 23, road conditions are as follows: Intercity roads (surface streets) are wet. The highways have been treated and are passable at slower speeds. Elevated bridges are becoming icy and are being sanded at 9th Street at Highway 67, Midlothian Parkway Bridge, 9th Street at US 287 and 14th Street at US 287.
8th Street Bridge is closed. Please use 9th Street as an alternate route.
PRECAUTIONARY & PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
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.