UPDATE: Friday, December 23, 9:00 a.m.
If you or someone you know are seeking warm shelter, please contact the American Red Cross at (830) 734-7854.
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The National Weather Service is forecasting a strong cold front will move through the region bringing the coldest temperatures yet this season. Temperatures are expected to drop below 20 degrees on Thursday night and Friday morning, with wind chills ranging from -10 to 10 degrees. The National Weather Service has issued both a Hard Freeze Watch and a Wind Chill Watch for our area. The cold is expected to continue through the end of the week but should slowly start to warm up by Christmas Day.
In preparation for this cold weather event, the City of New Braunfels has developed a plan to provide necessary services, including the opening of a warming center should it be necessary. The American Red Cross, Gruene United Methodist Church, and the City’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will provide volunteers and assistance and the City has prepared equipment and supplies to stand up the operation. Should it become necessary, the opening of a warming center will be announced on the City’s website and social media channels, and issued as a press release.
NB Housing Partners First Footing program is offering a cold weather shelter at the Edelweiss Inn for individuals without shelter. The shelter is available on nights with temperatures below 45 degrees. For more information call 830-327-5292.
Although rain is not expected, the City’s Public Works crews are on stand-by and prepared to apply material to roads if necessary. A road closures map will be available on the City’s website at newbraunfels.gov/roadclosures should the weather prompt any road closures.
The City strongly urges all residents to prepare for cold weather by remembering the Four Ps: People, Pets, Plants & Pipes. People should keep warm, dress in layers, and check on the elderly and their neighbors. Bring pets inside to keep them safe and healthy. Cover outdoor pipes and allow faucets to slowly drip to prevent them from freezing. Bring potted plants inside and cover outdoor plants with sheets or towels to prevent frost damage.
New Braunfels Utilities previously published information regarding the anticipated cold weather. The information provided included:
“In case of a leak, customers should know where their main water shut-off valve is located. Most homes have a master valve or the main water shut-off that will allow turning off all the water coming into the house. If a leak is suspected, turn the water off at the main shut-off valve. New Braunfels Utilities offers step-by-step instructional videos to help safely turn off the water valve at nbutexas.com/winter-freeze-tips.
Extreme weather conditions bring the potential for electrical and water outages, and NBU's outage maps and electric outage notification system can help customers stay informed. Visit nbutexas.com/report-an-outage for the most up-to-date information.”
The full NBU press release is available at: https://www.nbutexas.com/preparing-for-the-coldest-temperatures-of-the-season/
