A winter storm is coming to South Texas. Here's how to prepare for freezing weather

Ashlee Burns, Corpus Christi Caller Times

February 2, 2022 at 4:49 PM·7 min read

An arctic cold front is bringing freezing temperatures to South Texas later this week.

While the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi expects the freeze to last only a few days, power outages still could be possible.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issued a watch for an extreme cold weather system until Sunday.

Here's what you can do to prepare.

Prepare a winter survival kit

In case of a power outage, it's good to have some essentials at hand. Some items to have ready include:

Bottled water — At least one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation, is recommended by Ready.gov.
Nonperishable foods — At least a three-day supply and a manual can opener. For infants, remember to pack formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and rash cream. For pets, pack food and extra water.
First aid kit — This kit should include bandages, alcohol wipes, antibiotic cream, thermometer, pain reliever/fever reducer and at least a week's worth of any prescribed medications or medical supplies.
Medical equipment — Those who rely on any medical equipment using electricity should have a backup plan in case of a power outage.
Battery-powered radio and flashlights — A battery powered or crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. Avoid using candles, which can be a fire hazard. Make sure to pack extra batteries.
Chargers and backup batteries — Don't forget to charge phones and portable chargers.
Important family documents — Insurance policies, identification and bank account records should be kept electronically or in a safe, waterproof place.
Cash — If the power goes out, ATMs may not be an option.

A man walks down Water Street in freezing temperatures on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021. An arctic cold front is bringing freezing temperatures to South Texas later this week.

Winter storm: Here's the forecast and weather conditions for South Texas

What to expect on the road

Some freezing precipitation will be possible Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi. Though no accumulations are expected, the Texas Department of Transportation has pretreated bridges overpasses and elevated structured on major corridors in Corpus Christi and Bee, Live Oak, Refugio, Goliad and Karnes counties.

In addition to pre-treating the roads, TxDOT's emergency operations center will be activated on Thursday, providing 24-hour response capability and trucks loaded with ice rock and de-icing material.

The Texas Department of Public Safety recommends avoiding travel when sleet, freezing rain or snow is predicted. TXDOT says drivers should drive slowly with cruise control turned off, accelerate and brake gently, allow distance for vehicle ahead to stop, use extra caution on bridges, ramps and overpasses and drive with headlights on.

Road conditions can be monitored at www.drivetexas.org.

TxDOT pretreating bridges, overpasses, elevated structures on major corridors today in Corpus Christi: I-37, SH 358 (SPID), Park Road 22, SH 286 (Xtown), SH 44, Harbor Bridge, JFK Causeway. Also in Bee, Live Oak, Refugio, Goliad, Karnes counties. Give brine crews plenty of room. pic.twitter.com/rDsv9yAEQa
— TxDOT Corpus Christi (@TxDOT_Corpus) February 2, 2022

Make sure to check your battery, windshield wipers, tire pressure, tire tread and fluid levels. If you must drive, plan extra time to reach your destination.

DPS recommends keeping an emergency kit in the car, including:

Blankets or sleeping bags
Extra clothes, gloves and a hat
Cell phone, radio, flashlight, extra batteries and phone charger
First aid kit and pocket knife
High-calorie, non-perishable food and bottled water
Sand or cat litter to provide traction for tires
Windshield scraper, tool kit, booster cables, tow rope and shovel
Jumper cables

How to prepare your home

The Texas Department of Insurance recommends wrapping outdoor faucets and exposed pipes with newspaper, insulation or towels to prevent frozen pipes.

Whether you live in an apartment, house or condo, you should identify water shutoff valves indoors and out in case you need to cut off the water. Remember to pack tools, like a wrench, to turn the valve.

Allow your faucet to drip and open kitchen and cabinet doors to let warm air circulate near pipes.

You can also fill your bathtub with water to use for sanitation, flushing toilets and more.

Cold weather is coming to Corpus Christi: Here's how to protect plants from freezing

How to stay warm

In case of a power outage during freezing temperatures, you'll want to prepare ways to stay warm.

If you choose to use a backup generator, make sure you use it correctly. According to the US Department of Energy's Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response, incorrectly using a generator could lead to electric shocks, fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Even if you can't smell exhaust fumes, you may still have been exposed. Run generators at least 15 feet away from open windows, keep the generator dry, disconnect your normal source of power, and do not plug the generator into a wall outlet. Make sure you maintain an adequate supply of fuel and let the generator cook before refueling, the department says.

There are other ways to stay warm without a generator, including:

Avoiding heat loss — If there's a power outage warning, consider raising the temperature inside of your home. Place rolled up towels on the base of exterior doors. If you have to leave, go through the porch or garage. If the outage is prolonged, move the family into one room and keep interior doors shut. Put on additional clothing layers.
Fireplace — It's not often we get to use the fireplace in South Texas, but wood-burning and gas fireplaces are an easy way to keep the house warm when there's no electricity. For wood-burning fireplaces, conserve wood by using the fireplace intermittently. Make sure nothing is within 2 feet of the fireplace.
Portable heaters — If you use a portable heater, ensure it's safe to use indoors to avoid accidental, but deadly, carbon monoxide buildup.

Story continues below.

City of Corpus Christi warming centers

The city of Corpus Christi will provide daytime warming centers throughout the city from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday; from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday.

The centers are not a place to sleep or eat, no pets will be allowed and food will not be provided.

Locations include:

Broadmoor Senior Center, 1651 Tarlton Street
Ethel Eyerly Senior Center, 654 Graham Road
Owen R. Hopkins Library, 3202 McKinzie Road
La Retama Library, 805 Comanche Street
Ben F. McDonald Library, 4044 Greenwood Drive

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority will provide free transportation to and from the warming centers between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Those interested in traveling to and from a warming center should notify the bus operator when boarding to receive fare-free transportation.

Current B-Line customers can receive free transportation by scheduling a trip at 361-289-5881. Masks are required to board and ride CCRTA buses and paratransit vehicles.

Corpus Christi homeless shelters locations

Various homeless agencies will provide shelter, meals and blankets to those in need.

The Salvation Army will increase its capacity by opening the sanctuary at the Center of Hope Church at 1802 Buford St. Thursday-Saturday. The center will open at 4 p.m. each day.

Those needing shelter can also check the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission at 210 S. Alameda St.

The Mother Teresa Shelter at 513 Sam Rankin St. will be open Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for meals and shelter. The shelter will be open Saturday during the day as a warming center.

Metro Ministries at 1919 Leopard Street will serve lunch and dinner as part of their normal weekday operations. The cafeteria will open as a warming center at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday.

The Gulf Coast Humane Society will host the pets of those without homes as needed.

City of Corpus Christi staff will conduct outreach Wednesday through Friday to provide blankets, socks, hats and information on where to find shelter.

More local news

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Ashlee Burns covers trending and breaking news in South Texas. See our subscription options and special offers at Caller.com/subscribe

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Texas winter storm: Prepare for freezing weather in Corpus Christi

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