Thursday, May 2, 2024
The National Weather Service has warned Texans of hazardous cold weather for early next week after a cold front is expected to hit this weekend that will spread across North and Central Texas.
According to the NWS, Hood County is expected to have a chilly weekend before temperatures plummet Sunday evening. Friday night will kick off the start of the freezing temperatures with lows expected to be around the mid-20s. Saturday temperatures are expected to be in the mid-50s with a mostly sunny day, but in the evening the wind chills are predicted to be around 20 degrees. Sunday the high is expected to be in the lower 50s with the night falling to 15 degrees. Not only will the temperature be low, but the wind chill values will make a possible zero-degree temperature after midnight. Monday and Tuesday the county will likely not see the thermometer reach above freezing.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Patricia Sanchez shared that not only will the temperatures be intense, but there may be even a chance for a wintry mix.
“We do only have between a 10 to 20 percent chance of precipitation, and possibly .5 inches of traceable stickable snow,” Sanchez said. “The further north we look, the higher the chance they have of seeing precipitation. For now, the main highlight is just preparing for the cold.”
Sanchez also added that during this time of the year, these conditions are quite normal, and these cold spells can continue to come and go, lasting throughout the month and following into February and even March.
“City of Granbury staff are closely monitoring the weather forecast. Staff is checking on backup generators, the winterizing of vehicles and facilities, and verifying emergency contact information for personnel,” City of Granbury Communications Manager Jeff Newpher said. “Since Monday marks the federal holiday in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, most city facilities are closed. Plans are in progress to ensure that the City's 24/7/365 operations are well-prepared for the cold weather. City leadership will be in coordination with Hood County and Granbury Independent School District staff, as necessary.”
There will also be warming centers avaiable to the community of Hood County located at the Hood County YMCA as well as the First Christian Church. Both will be open on Monday and Tuesday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hood County YMCA is located at 1475 James Road and the First Christian Church is located at 2109 W US Highway 377.
There are plenty of ways to prepare with tips from the NWS. One easy way to remember the tips is using the “four p’s” trick. The trick helps you remember to know what to take care of during intense cold with the four p’s being people, pets, pipes and plants.
When it comes to people it is important for everyone to minimize their time outdoors and prepare for power outages. It is also important to check on those who are more vulnerable to the cold such as elderly people and young children.
It is important to keep those pets indoors as much as possible and to keep an eye on how long they spend outside for bathroom breaks.
When it comes to pipes, it is good to keep them insulated if possible. It is also helpful to open up sink cabinets to expose the pipes to the heated air. Remember to also disconnect pipes from hoses and sprinkler systems and turn off the water.
For your plants, it is important to bring them inside or cover them before the cold weather sets in.
Not only is it important to stay prepared with those four p’s, it’s also a good idea to build an emergency supply kit for your car. First and foremost, it is important to have a full tank of gas or at least a half before going out in the cold. Some necessary supplies include a first aid kit, blankets and mittens, a flashlight, car charger, spare tire, jumper cables, snacks and drinks, a tow rope, baby or special needs gear (if in family), a basic toolkit including pliers, wrench and a screwdriver, an extra set of clothes, cat litter or sand for better tire traction, and an ice scraper.
Some other ways to prepare is to winterize your home by inspecting your chimney, insulating your attic, cleaning out gutters, ensure smoke alarms have fresh batteries, caulk and weather strip windows and doors, and have a set of supplies set aside in case of a power outage.
For more information on the upcoming weather, or to stay weather aware, visit weather.gov.
