Warming shelter activated as winter storm closes in on San Angelo area, snow possible
SAN ANGELO — A winter storm will be creeping into San Angelo this week possibly bringing snow, rain and sleet, according to the local National Weather Service.
Matt Groh, NWS meteorologist, said there is still uncertainty with the storm specifics, but there could be "hazardous road conditions" and people can still prepare for the wintery weather.
Groh recommended San Angelo residents protect the four P's: "people, pets, plants and pipes." He suggested to shelter outdoor pets, to bring sensitive plants inside, cover exterior pipes, and to dress warmly for the colder weather.
Much colder air in store for San Angelo area
A spokesperson with NWS stated they felt "very confident" in much colder air for mid/late week with low temperatures in the 10 degrees by Friday morning with wind chills near -10.
"This is more of a 'normal' cold snap in that temperatures will be warmer again for the weekend," NWS stated. "Again, cold, but not last February cold and it wont last nearly as long."
More: San Angelo breaks numerous records with winter weather
At 3:30 p.m. Monday, NWS said high temperatures Tuesday would be in the lower to mid 70s, with partly cloudy skies. A Winter Storm Watch was issued for Wednesday afternoon through Thursday afternoon for the northern and central parts of west central Texas.
"Heavy mixed precipitation will be possible (with) accumulations of at least 1-3 inches of snow, and a light glaze of ice will be possible," according to NWS, adding temperatures were expected to drop "well-below freezing," with a possible impact for travel.
The NWS said Monday they feel "moderately confident" that much of West Central Texas will see at least a little wintry precipitation Wednesday night into Thursday.
"Best chances for accumulation will be across the Big Country north of I-20," according to NWS. "Chances from the Concho Valley south to I-20 still look likely, but not as certain as they are farther north."
"It really comes down to nailing down the exact winter weather precipitation type," according to NWS. "A couple inches of snow provides about the same "moisture" as 1/4 inch of ice, but we all know how much bigger a problem ice is versus snow."
NWS said more information about the storm will be provided as it nears.
'Out of the cold' program to be activated
"We'll have the Out of the Cold program activated," said Bob Salas, Neighborhood & Family Services Director for San Angelo.
That program includes a warming shelter at 34 W. 3rd St., which opens when the weather dips below 35 degrees by 5 a.m. The Salvation Army will post more details as they become available on Facebook and its website.
Those in need of assistance are encouraged to arrive at the Salvation Army by 4:30 p.m. whenever severe cold weather is expected.
Related: 'Out of the Cold' program returns, here's what you need to know
How to prepare your home for freezing temperatures
People should ensure their carbon monoxide and fire detectors are working properly. If someone uses an alternate heating source, make sure nothing is around it. If you have a generator, make sure it is not blowing into the home. Fire safety is a concern at this time.
It's also important to have plenty of nonperishable food, water, blankets and tools needed to clear snow and ice. People could also use weather stripping or install a plastic window insulation kit to keep the cold out.
With the potential for power outages, make sure you have an emergency kit. The kit should have:
Flashlights
A battery-operated radio
Portable phone chargers
Batteries
Candles
Matches
Mike Avila, general manager for San Angelo's Westlake ACE Hardware, said people who need to water things outside should consider getting a heated water hose. One product at ACE that is selling fast, he said, is ice melt. Other substitutes for ice melts are:
Pool salt
Water softener salt which will not harm the concrete
Oil dry
Cat litter
How do you prevent pipes from freezing?
Information from Westlake ACE Hardware stresses the importance of protecting your pipes at home. Here's how:
Disconnect all hoses and insulate outside faucets. You can use foam faucet covers.
Insulate water pipes. You can use pipe insulation or tape to cover the exposed pipes.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around pipes.
Leave a trickle of water running.
If you are leaving town, set your thermostat to 55 degrees or higher.
At ACE, faucet covers are flying off the shelves, Avila said. If you can't get one, he offered these substitutes:
Wrap a towel around the outside faucet and wrap a bag around it
Spray insulation foam around the pipes
Pipe insulation and wrapping it with duct tape
How do you keep pets and livestock safe in the cold?
Dr. Douglas Kratt, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, discussed what people should do to keep animals safe and the dangers they face.
"Pets are very similar to what you're going to be going through," Kratt said. "If it is too cold for you to be outside, it is too cold for your pet. Their hair coat helps them a little bit, but it doesn't make them immune to this. Especially if they are used to warmer weather."
If left in the cold, animals can experience frostbite, hypothermia or can hurt themselves by slipping or cutting themselves on the ice. For people using de-icers, make sure to clean your pet's paws and do not put it on the pet.
More: Follow tips to keep your pet safe during winter weather
Livestock need more water than usual when it is cold, so using a heating element or breaking it up is encouraged. Provide some type of shelter for the livestock.
"If there are ways to give them breaks, to be out of direct wind, that will help," Kratt said.
Kratt stated people should make sure they have plenty of food and water for their animals, along with any medications.
The American Veterinary Medical Association website also warns to check your vehicle before driving off, because cats could hide in or around it as a heat source. Unattended vehicles in cold weather are "like a refrigerator, and can rapidly chill your pet," according to the site.
Avila added that "feathered friends" could benefit from a heating element in a ceramic birdbath as well.
NWS seven day forecast
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night: Increasing clouds, with a low around 42. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast after midnight.
Wednesday: Rain likely, mainly after noon. Cloudy, with a high near 46. North northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Wednesday Night: Snow, freezing rain, and sleet likely before midnight, then snow and sleet likely. Cloudy, with a low around 18. Blustery, with a north northeast wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70 percent. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of snow before noon. Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 23. Blustery, with a north wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.
Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 12. Blustery, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 35. North wind 10 to 15 mph.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 15. North wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 47.
Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 24.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 52.
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This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Warming shelter activated as winter storm approaches San Angelo
