Boerne is busy bracing for the latest predicted blast of cold weather, which the National Weather Service says could yield some sort of freezing precipitation Tuesday.
Temperatures in the 60s Friday and Saturday are expected to plummet into the low 40s for a high on Sunday as the next front arrives.
It will remain sunny on Sunday before the overnight low dips to about 22 degrees, the NWS report said. Temperatures will warm to 35-36 degrees Monday before dipping back to near 20 degrees with only a 20% chance of precipitation.
Things change Tuesday, where the daily high is only expected to reach 30 degrees. Paired with a 60% chance of precipitation, the area may receive a light frosting or sleet during the a.m. hours. If temperatures do not reach 32 degrees, the freezing point, any frozen moisture may stay around, as the NWS shows Tuesday’s overnight low to reach a bone-chilling 16 degrees.
Temperatures will climb into the low 40s Wednesday, effectively ending the latest in a series of freeze warnings.
City of Boerne leadership is continuously monitoring the weather forecast, according to Chris Shadrock, city communications director. Starting Friday, the Parks and Recreation Department staff began closing public restrooms and turning the water off at water fountains, helping to reduce the risk of a pipe bursting and causing bigger damages.
City Streets Department crews preloaded sand and gravel into dump trucks and prepared the loader with a full bucket. Boerne Utilities crews have staged portable sewer pumps at multiple sewer lift stations in case of a prolonged electric outages, Shadrock said.
“As we have seen over the last several years, all city departments — parks, streets, police, fire, utilities, etc. — have ample experience responding to winter weather and we are prepared for whatever Mother Nature sends our way,” Shadrock said.
Elsewhere, the Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) continues to monitor the weather conditions as the batch of cold, arctic air arrives. In a press release Friday, the PEC said it was preparing for temperatures expected to remain below freezing for more than 48 hours (Monday-Tuesday) in some parts of the Hill Country.
PEC holds frequent drills to prepare for inclement weather and other scenarios, including snow and ice storms.
The Cooperative, the release said, is fully staffed and ready to respond, with field crews and office staff standing by. Approximately 340 lineworkers and an additional 24 contract construction crews are ready to assist around the clock and stocked with ample supplies, including fuel.
An extra 35 vegetation crews are also available to respond if needed, and PEC’s control center continues to watch weather conditions closely, monitoring the system 24/7. Additional agents are also staffed to assist with calls and member questions by phone.
PEC offered the following tips as below-freezing temperatures and freezing rain or sleet are possible: — Prevent high bills on cold days. Keep your thermostat set as close to 68 degrees as comfortably possible, wearing blankets and warm clothing. Avoid raising your thermostat more than 2 degrees at a time, to prevent emergency or auxiliary heat settings from kicking on.
— Prepare your home, using weatherstripping and caulking to tightly seal windows and doors, especially in any areas where cool air can enter.
— Drip faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and wrap outdoor faucets with an insulated cover.
— Charge cell phones and stock your emergency kit. Include food, water, blankets, batteries, chargers and other essential items.
— Review your emergency plan, including what to do in case of an extended outage. PEC cannot guarantee uninterrupted or continuous power, and said it strongly encourages all members to have an emergency plan, including backup generation if needed.
— Remember to check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly and live alone.
PEC will post updates on social media and online at mypec.com. Additional tips are available at mypec. com/prep.
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