Winter storm information from Hays County Office of Emergency Management
Facing some of the coldest weather in decades, the Hays County Office of Emergency Management urges all residents to be prepared. The National Weather Service is predicting freezing drizzle, which combined with freezing temperatures will create ice on the roads as well as on sidewalks, driveways and paths. See the tips below to help navigate this extreme winter weather:
• It’s a good idea to make sure you have enough drinking water and food on-hand for several days; heading to the store before roads ice over is strongly advised.
• Use caution and wear sturdy shoes if you need to be outside where there is ice on walking surfaces.
• Once the rain begins, travel on roadways is strongly discouraged. Icy roads create hazardous driving conditions.
• In addition, the bitter cold and rain will create the potential for scattered power outages across the region. Gather items you may need in the event of a loss of power including blankets, flashlights, etc. Check and replace batteries in flashlights and other battery-powered lighting sources.
• Wear extra layers of clothing and add more covers to your sleeping area.
• Check on your neighbors who may need assistance, particularly the elderly. Animals should be given shelter and, whenever possible, pets should be allowed inside.
• Check the external pipes on homes and buildings. Consider wrapping them to prevent breaks. Keep faucets on a very slow drip.
• Plants will freeze, so bring them inside if portable or cover them.
The Dripping Springs Vaccine Clinic scheduled for this week will not be held. It has been rescheduled for Feb. 22-23 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. Those who had Monday appointments for their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at San Marcos High School have been rescheduled to the same time but on Wednesday, 2/17.
As a reminder, County parks are closed through Monday due to the weather. Hays County offices are closed Monday in observance of Presidents Day.
Cold-weather shelters have been activated across Hays County. For those experiencing homelessness, several local organizations may be able to assist those in need of warmth and shelter. If you know/see anyone who may need this type of assistance, please call in advance to see if they can accommodate requests.
H.O.M.E. Center
512-270-8344 (You may also leave a voicemail or send a text as the H.O.M.E. Center is receiving many calls at this time.)
Southside Community Center
518 S Guadalupe St.
San Marcos, TX
512-557-0795
Salvation Army
300 S CM Allen Parkway, Ste. 100
San Marcos, TX
512-557-3661
Hays Hills Baptist Church
1401 N Farm to Market 1626\
Buda, TX
512-295-3132 or 512-845-3864
Dripping Spring United Methodist
28900 RR 12
Dripping Springs, TX
512-894-7123
Kyle United Methodist Church
408 W Lockhart St,
Kyle, TX
512-415-6708
Westover Baptist Church
1310 Advance St.
San Marcos, TX 78666
512-214-2258
First Baptist Church of Wimberley
15951 Winters Mill Pkwy
Wimberley, TX
432-634-2364
Call the Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) hotline at 512-806-0800 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. for additional church locations available as warming centers.
Additional Resources:
The Hays CISD Little Hope Box is full of food for anyone that might need it. They also put scarves/gloves in the box.
3839B E.FM 150 (Next to Simon Middle School)
Kyle, TX
Visit the Hays County website for additional information. https://hayscountytx.com/2021/02/13/resources-for-those-in-need-during-freezing-weather/