No snow is expected when the coldest air of the season arrives Thursday, just bitterly cold temperatures.
Meteorologists at the New Braunfels office of the U.S. National Weather Service Austin-San Antonio (NWS) said arctic air is forecast to reach South Central Texas and persist into the holiday weekend.
“It’s too early to say just how cold, but freezes are looking likely across the region late next week,” NWS said on Facebook.
Temperatures in the San Antonio area could range between 15-48 degrees Fahrenheit with a “best forecast” estimated at around 28 degrees.
New Braunfels Utilities (NBU) said low temperatures could remain below freezing for several days and suggests preparing in advance by:
- Protecting faucets, outdoor pipes, and pipes in unheated areas with pipe insulation.
- Covering vents around the foundation and draining irrigation water-supply lines.
- Knowing where the main water shut-off valve is located.
For updated information about NBU’s power and water outages click here.
Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC), which serves Canyon Lake, said customers who experience service interruptions should call 888-883-3379 or report them online at pec.smarthub.coop. To sign up to receive SMS alerts during an emergency, including prolonged power interruptions and mandated rolling outages, add your mobile phone number to SmartHub or call 888-554-4732.
PEC also will communicate with customers on its website and social-media channels including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
To protect homes, PEC recommends:
- Keeping faucets on a slow drip to keep pipes from freezing. Catch the dripping water in a clean container, sink, or tub.
- Turning off the main water supply to prevent further damage if pipes freeze.
- Keeping drapes and blinds closed, except when windows are in direct sunlight.
- Closing doors to unoccupied rooms to help a home warm faster.
- Turning off lights and appliances if the power goes out to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored, and leaving one light on as a signal to know when power returns.
- Making sure fireplaces are clean and working properly so they can be used as an additional heating source if necessary.
Customers should not use stoves or ovens for heat. Gas stoves and ovens produce carbon monoxide, and electric ones pose a fire risk when not used as designed, the utility said.
Never run a car in the garage as a way of warming up, the utility warns. Only run the car outside, and before starting it make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow and debris, PEC said. Taking these steps prevents carbon-monoxide poisoning.
PEC said generators should not operate closer than 20 feet from doors and windows to prevent fumes from entering a home.
NWS urges the public to remember the “4Ps:” people, pets, plants and pipes.
Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to cold. People should dress in layers and wear hats that cover the ears to retain body heat. Gloves are suggested.
The weather service said plants in containers should be moved inside, if possible, and outdoor plants should be watered before a freeze to add insulation to the oil and plants. Cover plants if possible.
All pets should be brought inside, NWS said. Pets that must be left outside should have an enclosed shelter with an entrance facing away from the wind.
