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Warming station open Monday
A warming station is open 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. in the annex building east of the Texas County Health Department on North U.S. in Houston.
Court closed Monday
The Texas County Circuit Court is closed Monday, Jan. 26. Updates will be posted at www.circuit25.org.
Churches announce service plans
Many Texas County churches have cancelled their services for Sunday. Some are offering online options. Check with your church to learn about its status.
Snow to end today, Weather Service says
The National Weather Service says the winter storm warning will continue until 6 tonight. An additional 3 to 6 inches will fall by this Sunday evening, it said.
The Cold Weather Advisory will become an Extreme Cold Warning beginning at 6 p.m. The minimum wind chills will be -15 to -25 degrees on Monday morning.
National Weather Service updates forecast
At 7 a.m., the National Weather Service in Springfield issued on update on the weather: “Most recent storm total amounts now forecast to be widespread 6-10 inches, with localized amounts up to 14 inches. Second round still anticipated to be the heaviest round.”
Roby department opens station during storm
The Roby Fire Department issued this statement:
“We will continuously man Roby Station 1 for the next 72 hours during this Severe Weather Event. Roby Station 1 will be “In-Service” and staffed through the Severe Weather Event forecasted and will be available to support our community as a:
- warming shelter
- first aid location
- an emergency hot soup
Roby Station 1 hours of operation began today at 1200 and will continue through Monday at 1800.
If there is a requirement for additional operating times, Roby Station 1 will be available to meet any community obligations.
Updates and requests will be posted throughout the day for this Severe Weather Event.
When road conditions begin to get bad our response time may be longer. Three of our smaller trucks have 4-wheel drive but do not hold as much water as our engine. The engine will still respond if a large amount of water is needed but It will take longer to arrive.
We have medical personnel with 4-wheel drive vehicles and will respond when dispatched.
As the weather event begins to make the roads slick. Please hold off on unnecessary travel until the roads conditions improve.”
Some businesses close
Some businesses have closed Saturday due to the extreme cold and incoming weather. It is advisable to inquiry if the store is open before traveling.
County library branches close
Library Director Louise Beasley said branches at Houston, Cabool, Licking and Summersville are closed Saturday.
Live video from downtown Houston
Here’s a look at the Herald’s Grand Cam from downtown Houston.
Cabool issues alert for incoming weather
From the City of Cabool: “With winter weather approaching the area we have been getting warnings of Peak Alerts for Sunday and Monday during the coldest times. Please conserve power when possible. When we get the expected snow accumulation, the city crews will be out clearing the streets. Please park off street if possible to allow them access. In the event that you experience a power outage or other utility issue outside of normal city office hours please call the police department at 417 962-3993 to report it.”
Water District: Keep water dripping
Public Water Supply District 1, which serves areas around Bucyrus, Roby and Success issued this statement: “If the temperatures are below freezing and you have previously had trouble with frozen water lines, please drip your water. This will allow your water to remain unfrozen by giving it constant movement through your water lines. You should not read your meter if the temperatures are below freezing. That does not mean that you should not read your meter for the entire winter. Please read it on a day when the temperatures are a little higher, but if that is impossible, you can call the office and we will estimate your water usage for you.”
Houston makes request of citizens
With impending winter weather, the city’s power provider anticipates higher than normal power costs. Try to conserve energy and winterize your home.
Licking makes request of citizens
The City of Licking is asking for residents to refrain from parking along streets during this snow event.
“We realize there are no options for some. Sackett seems to be a particularly hard street to plow with cars parked along it,” it said in a statement.
Information shared by the Houston Fire Department
- There will be two rounds of snow (possibly sleet farther to the southeast)
- We are expecting anywhere from 6-13 inches of snow with the lighter amounts to the north.
- Wind chills as low as 10 below 0 is in effect from midnight Friday to noon on Monday.
- Travel is not advised and because of the cold extending into next week, roads will not clear quickly.
- Products MoDOT uses are not effective below 20 degrees and they will not be pretreating the roads.
- Please have multiple means of receiving forecasts through these events.
- If you have to travel, have a flashlight, a blanket, food and water. Keep your cell phone charged and with you.
Heat lamps, commonly used for pets, livestock, or supplementary warmth, are a significant, preventable cause of farm and residential fires, with incidents often involving tipped-over lamps or lamps placed to close to combustible materials. While they make up a portion of the 52,000 annual heating equipment fires, they are specifically noted for causing, in some areas, over a dozen structure fires per year.
Help keep your home and pets safe by following these tips:
- Use pet-safe heaters – Only use heaters designed specifically for animal use and equipped with automatic shut-off features.
- Inspect cords often – Damaged or frayed cords can spark fires or cause electrocution.
- Keep your distance – Maintain at least 3 feet of clearance from anything that can burn (hay, straw, any other dry combustibles).
Warming shelters
Building to open as warming shelter in Houston
The Texas County Emergency Response Team (TCERT) is opening its office Saturday and Sunday as a warming station in Houston. It is located next to the Texas County Health Department on north U.S. 63.
Should larger accommodations be necessary, the Houston Storm Shelter at Pine and First streets will open its doors.
You can contact Travis Maddox, TCERT, at 417-204-9359.