Jan. 8—Winter has finally arrived in Texas, bringing what is predicted to be anywhere from 2 to 5 inches of snow later this week.
The rain-snow mix is expected to arrive Thursday and bring precipitation through Friday afternoon. While the snow is not expected to accumulate, there may be ice to worry about on the roads.
“As it sits as of Tuesday afternoon], we aren’t expecting moisture to hit until Thursday morning, which is a significant change,” Johnson County Emergency Management Coordinator Jamie Moore said. “Travel after sundown on Thursday evening and into Friday may be the worst. Travel Thursday during the day could be bad as well in the afternoon, it’s just going to depend on where that line is. So unfortunately that part is still unpredictable.”
Cleburne police issued a few tips about how to be safe while driving on the road.
—Before you leave, check road conditions and weather updates for any changes or warnings.
—Winterize your car with proper pressure, windshield fluid and clean headlights.
—On the road, drive slowly and increase vehicle distance as stopping takes longer in wintry conditions.
—When visibility drops, stop in a safe place and wait.
—Carry a car emergency kit with blankets, snacks, water and a flashlight.
—Ensure your phone is fully charged in case you need assistance or location updates.
—If you do not need to go, avoid the roads, but if you must go, take extra time and extra care.
“What snow we get won’t be around for long and probably shouldn’t cause too many problems because the ground is not really cold enough,” Cleburne Assistant Fire Chief Keith Scarbrough said. “But any time we get bad weather with snow and possibly ice it’s always important to drive safe and slow and remain aware of conditions and your surroundings.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety also reminds Texans that extreme cold, freezing rain, ice and snow can pose major hazards to drivers and pedestrians and urges residents to be prepared and exercise caution in those types of conditions.
Additional tips they issued include:
—Avoid traveling when sleet, freezing rain or snow is predicted, and monitor road conditions by visiting Drive Texas or calling 800-452-9292.
—Share your travel plans with a friend or family member so someone knows the route you’re taking.
—Do not use cruise control.
—Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.
—Be aware that ice accumulates on bridges and overpasses before drivers may see it on roads, so approach them more slowly in winter weather.
—Watch for downed trees and power lines. If a stop light is out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
“Winter weather can be unpredictable, but by making safety a top priority you can help take control,” Colonel Freeman Martin said. “Plan ahead, check road conditions and adjust your driving for the type of roads you’re traveling on. These are all simple things that can make a big impact in making this winter season safer for everyone on the road.”
Home safety
If you aren’t getting out on the roads, there are several things you can do to stay safe and warm at home.
DPS suggests using an all-hazards weather radio for up-to-date warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information.
You can also sign up for calls or texts from your local emergency notification system.
Other tips include:
—Insulate outside faucets and pipes near outer walls.
—Make sure furnaces, heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves are clean, well-ventilated and in good working condition.
—Keep space heaters at least three feet away from walls and combustible materials, including furniture and bedding. Turn them off when you’re away or sleeping. Also ensure space heaters cannot tip over and there is no damage to the cord.
—To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never operate a generator or other fuel-powered device inside a home, garage or other enclosed space. The odorless, colorless gas is deadly and is produced any time a fossil fuel is burned. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
—Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven.
—Stock up on firewood and supplies, including canned goods, bottled water and medication.
Other tips
Freezing temperatures are expected through Saturday morning.
CPD officials warned residents to take note to prepare with the four P’s — people, pets, plants and pipes.
—People: Check up on your loved ones often, especially the elderly, to ensure they have everything to endure freezing temperatures.
—Pets: Bring pets inside. If it’s too cold for you to be outside comfortably, it’s too cold for your pet.
—Plants: Bring plants inside or cover them with a sheet or blanket. This acts as insulation, keeping the warm air from the ground around your plants.
—Pipes: Cover your outdoor faucets and fixtures to help keep the water remaining in your pipes from freezing. It’s also recommended to slow-drip your faucets and open your cabinets. Be sure to turn off your sprinkler system.
Check cleburnetimesreview.com for the latest updates on the winter weather and possible school and business closings.