People, pets beware of arctic cold front moving in

The National Weather Service Office in Fort Worth has issued a Hazardous Weather Conditions alert for Hood County and surrounding areas because of an arctic air front currently moving toward North Texas. A hard freeze warning will be in effect from 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 through 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 23. “Temperatures will fall into the single digits and low teens Thursday night,” the NWS states on its website. “These very cold temperatures may cause uninsulated and exposed pipes to freeze and burst. To prevent freezing of pipes, either wrap exposed pipes or allow faucets to slowly drip. Ensure that irrigation systems are turned off and winterized. Preparations should be made now to protect any plants that are sensitive to these extreme temperatures. Also remember to provide adequate shelter or arrangements for outdoor pets.”

Equally notable is that the NWS has also posted a Wind Chill Advisory to be in effect from 6 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 through noon on Friday, Dec. 23 — for wind chills as low as 15 degrees below zero. “The cold wind chills could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken,” the NWS website states. North winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts as high as 25 mph can be expected Thursday. The wind chill here on Friday could dip as low as minus 7 degrees — with northwest winds 15 to 25 mph, gusting as high as 25 mph.