Loop 4 South (near Cement Plant Road to I-35) is closed due to icy road conditions. Road conditions are deteriorating throughout Buda, so please stay home and off the roads. There have been several accidents throughout the morning. The City's Public Works crew is out treating roads.
You can also visit drivetexas.org for updates on current road conditions.
The icy conditions are even making it a challenge for our first-responders to get around. Fire, Police, and EMS are doing their best to navigate the roads, but this is exactly why we are asking everyone to stay home, if you can. This isn't even the worst of the winter weather yet, which is expected later today into Monday. With an increased number of calls and the icy road conditions, there will be extended response times to emergencies. The pictures below were taken at FM 1626 near 967 and near White Oak Preserve. Our Public Works crew is working on sanding area roads. But even with roads sanded, these are still dangerous driving conditions. Please be patient and safe.
Driving in Winter Weather
If you must travel, please follow the driving tips below from Tx-DOT.
Slow down. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow or ice.
Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas as they tend to freeze first.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you have regained traction. Then straighten your vehicle.
Slippery Sidewalks and Surfaces
Please be careful if you venture outside. It's best to stay inside your home where it's safe. Buda Fire and EMS have responded to several incidents of people falling on slippery sidewalks or surfaces and being taken to the hospital with broken bones.
National Weather Service Forecast - Sunday, Feb. 14
Freezing drizzle through the overnight has left icy roadways through the Hill Country, I-35 corridor and eastward. Conditions will only deteriorate further later this afternoon and tonight across all of South-Central Texas!
✓ A major winter storm will move across the region this afternoon through Monday morning. A mix of freezing rain and sleet is initially expected, with a change over to all snow this evening. Travel will be very difficult to near impossible across many areas! Blowing snow in some areas could reduce visibility and snow may obscure ice underneath. The icy roads could persist into Tuesday. Travel is highly discouraged!
✓ Scattered power outages could occur, especially across the Hill Country and Central Texas where ice still exists from earlier rounds of winter precipitation.
✓ Bitterly cold air will spill into the region by Monday morning. The coldest temperatures since 1989 are forecast Monday and Tuesday mornings, with low temperatures in the single digits and teens. Exposed pipes could be damaged if not protected.
✓ Strong winds will make it feel even colder, with wind chill values Monday morning ranging from -15 to 0 degrees! Without proper protection hypothermia could quickly set in.
✓ Check frequently on those without heat. Protect plants and pipes. Provide warm shelter for pets. ✓ Another disturbance will provide a chance for freezing rain Tuesday night into Wednesday, and a wintry mix Wednesday night. Additional ice accumulations are possible.
Wind Chill Warning - A Windchill Warning is in effect from 6 PM Sunday, Feb. 14 to noon on Monday, Feb. 15. Bitterly cold air will spill into the region by Monday morning. The coldest temperatures since 1989 are forecast Monday and Tuesday mornings, with low temperatures in the single digits and teens. Strong winds will make it feel even colder Monday morning, with wind chill values both mornings ranging from -15 to 0 degrees.
Power Outages
Pedernales Electric Outage Map
https://outages.pec.coop/dmsoutagemap/default.html
Call 1-888-883-3379 to report an outage.
In the event of a power loss below are some tips on how to stay warm.
Pipe Protection
- Wrap and use heat tape to protect exposed water pipes.
- Drip indoor faucets overnight or when water use is minimal to prevent freezing.
- Once frozen, pipes will not defrost until temperatures rise above freezing for several hours.
- Never use a blow dryer, flame, or heater to defrost frozen pipes as it can cause pipes to burst.
- Know where your water shut off is located in case you need to turn off the water in an emergency.
- If you need assistance, contact Buda Public Works at 512-312-2876. After hours, call 512-749-0478.
Pet Safety
It is very important that your pets have appropriate shelter from the freezing temperatures. As part of our Animal Ordinance, we've included the animal care portion below.
Sec. 4.04.005 Animal care
(f) An animal’s owner shall provide the animal with shelter that:
(1) Is large enough for the animal to enter, stand, turnaround, and lie down in a natural manner; a structure with three sides, a roof and a floor that prevents rain or other precipitation from entering; or a structure of dome, or other, shape with a floor that provides the animal with shelter from all weather conditions;
(2) Keeps the animal dry;
(3) Provides the animal with natural or artificial shade from direct sunlight;
(4) Protects the animal from excessive heat and cold and other adverse weather conditions
(5) Is adequately ventilated; and
(6) Large livestock shall be exempted.
•At 32 degrees water bowls will freeze, leaving pets without access to drinkable water
•Without shelter their bodies don't keep heat efficiently from the wind and elements
•Pets can go into shock, get frost bite to their exposed skin, can suffer irreversible organ failure and death
•Do not leave pets in a vehicle
Hays County Resources For Those in Need
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
Curative COVID-19 Testing Sites Closed
Due to worsening weather conditions, Curative testing sites are closed through Tuesday, February 16. Curative will resume normal operations on Wednesday if conditions allow.
City Parks Closed
All City parks are closed. Water to restrooms and fountains has been shut down.
Texas Disposal Systems Service
Message below from Texas Disposal Systems
As our service region continues to experience wintry mix weather, TDS drivers are continuing to provide collection and attempting to service customers as road conditions allow. Customers are encouraged to continue placing their carts at the curb on scheduled collection days. Our TDS drivers will service as soon as possible and as weather permits. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.
Please continue to check our social media channels, website and Waste Wizard alerts for updates should your service be affected.
