South Texans Prepare for Strong Cold Front

South Texans are preparing for a strong cold front Saturday night including strong winds and freezing temperatures across parts of the Coastal Bend over the next two nights – especially inland. Winds of 25-35 mph with gusts to 45 are expected for much of the Coastal Bend. The gusty winds are expected to bring elevated fire danger weather conditions with moderate to low relative humidity values. Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown into power lines and a few power outages may result. Frost and freeze conditions could damage crops, sensitive plants, and maybe outdoor plumbing. Be sure to protect your pets as well during this winter event.

During a winter power outage

• Before you report your outage, make sure the outage goes beyond your home. Check your breakers or fuses and the power lines to your house. If the lines are damaged or down, stay back and call your electric cooperative.
• Stay warm... On top of dressing in layers and huddling under extra blankets, hang your darker ones on the windows to draw in heat. Keep doors and windows closed, and use towels to block drafts around them. If necessary, move to your basement, which may be more insulated by the ground.
• …but keep your food cold. Food can stay frozen 24 to 36 hours if the refrigerator/freezer door stays closed. Always have a bag of ice cubes in the freezer in case you have to evacuate or when you’re out of town; if the cubes melt and refreeze while you’re away, the food in the freezer will probably be spoiled.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use gas generators, camping stoves or barbeques indoors; keep them in well ventilated areas and don’t use them for heating your home.
• Listen for updates. Listen to the news on a battery-powered or hand-cranked device and follow the NEC outage viewer, Facebook page and/or website for more news about outages and restoration efforts. If you’re using a cellphone, choose texting over calling to keep phone lines free, or use your landline. Save 911 for emergencies.
• Prevent additional damage. Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid a surge when the power comes back on; leave one lamp on so you know when the power comes back. If you have electric heat, keep all taps on a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
• If you have a member of your household on life support, prepare to implement back up plans for power interruptions.

Call 1-800-632-9288 to report your outage and view outages on our outage viewer