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🥶 Cold Weather Coming This Weekend — Stay Safe & Prepared!

🥶 Cold Weather Coming This Weekend — Stay Safe & Prepared!

A strong cold front is expected to move into the area this weekend, bringing freezing temperatures, chances of freezing rain and sleet, and hazardous travel conditions. According to the National Weather Service forecast, temperatures this Saturday and Sunday will stay well below freezing, with a wintry mix likely Saturday and very cold lows Sunday night.

📌 Weekend Forecast Snapshot

  • Friday night: Showers changing to wintry mix as temperatures fall to around freezing.

  • Saturday: Freezing rain and sleet likely; highs near 29–30°F.

  • Saturday night: Sleet/snow possible before midnight; lows near low teens.

  • Sunday: Cold with a slight chance of wintry mix early; highs around 23–25°F.

📘 What Is STEAR & How It Helps

The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) is a free resource designed to support individuals who may need extra assistance during emergencies (like severe weather). It helps local emergency planners better understand and respond to needs during extreme conditions. You can learn more and register at the TDEM/State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry page:
👉 https://stear.texas.gov/ 

🛑 The Four P’s of Cold Weather Safety

Use this simple checklist as temperatures drop:

PEOPLE

  • Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with mobility issues.

  • Wear appropriate layers and keep warm.

PETS

  • Bring cats/dogs indoors. If pets must stay outside, provide draft-free shelter and warm bedding.

PIPES

  • Insulate exposed pipes and allow faucets to drip to prevent freezing.

PLANTS

  • Bring potted plants inside or cover outdoor plants to protect them from freeze damage.

🚗 Check Road Conditions Before You Go

Before traveling this weekend, be sure to check live roadway conditions in Texas using DriveTexas.org — the official road conditions system updated by the Texas Department of Transportation.

🔥 Warming Centers in Waco

The City of Waco and McLennan County Office of Emergency Management opens warming centers when extreme cold hits. These facilities provide a safe, heated space with blankets and sometimes meals. Pets in crates are typically welcome — but always confirm current hours/availability.

For the most updated list and information, visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management warming centers page:
🔗 https://tdem.texas.gov/warm — and call 211 if you need help finding open locations.

⚡ Power Outage Reporting

If you experience a power outage in the Oncor service territory, you can report it and check status in several ways:

🔹 Call: 1-888-313-4747 (available 24/7)
🔹 Online: Oncor’s outage page at https://www.oncor.com/outages/create_outage/identify.
🔹 Text: Text “OUT” to 66267 to report outages.

If you experience a power outage in the Hilco service territory, you can report it and check status in several ways:

🔹 Call: Call the main office at 254.687.2331 or 1.800.338.6425.
🔹 Online: Hilco's outage page at https://hilco.coop/report-an-outage.

⚠️ Important: If you see a downed power line, do NOT call the outage line — call 911 immediately and stay far away from it.

🆘 Additional Safety Tips

  • Stay tuned to local weather updates throughout the weekend — conditions can change quickly.

  • Keep emergency supplies on hand (flashlight, blankets, food/water, phone chargers).

  • Avoid unnecessary travel if roads become icy.