The Williamson County Office of Emergency Management is encouraging residents to prepare now for the Hard Freeze Warning, Wind Chill Warning and Wind Advisory issued by the National Weather Service in anticipation of the freezing cold weather expected to enter the area Thursday, Dec. 22.
“We want to make sure that people are preparing for the frigid, cold temperatures that are coming our way as they think about their holiday plans and potential travel during that time,” said Williamson County Office of Emergency Management Director Michael Shoe.
Below-freezing temperatures are expected from Thursday afternoon through Saturday afternoon with winds from 20 to 30 mph. Some areas in the hill country and on the I-35 corridor could see freezing temperatures for approximately 42 hours. No precipitation or snow is forecasted at this time.
Remember to follow the four Ps for cold weather safety and protect people, pets, plants and pipes. People: Dress warmly in layers and check on elderly family and neighbors.
Pets: Bring pets inside or into a protected, covered area.
Plants: Move plants in containers indoors if possible or cover plants before nightfall.
Pipes: Cover exposed pipes to protect them from freezing.
People traveling for the holidays are asked to prepare an emergency winter kit for their car. It should include:
Ice scraper
Shovel
Gloves
Blanket
Emergency flares or reflectors
Rock salt
First aid kit
Extra windshield washer
Additionally, residents should make sure to have at least seven days of medication on hand and make arrangements for any medical needs ahead of time. Whether residents are staying at home or traveling, they should make sure to have water and non-perishable food for several days on hand. Residents should also monitor their preferred weather source for any changes to the forecast.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at www.warncentraltexas.org.
Additional winter weather safety tips can be found at https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.
The city of Austin is opening warming centers for this winter event. The warming centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday. Locations include:
-Little Walnut Creek Branch Library, 835 W. Rundberg Ln, Austin, TX 78758
-Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
-Turner Roberts Recreation Center, 7201 Colony Loop Dr, Austin, TX 78724
-George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center 5801 Ainez Dr, Austin, TX 78744