It’s that time of the year – according to the National Weather Service, an arctic air mass, otherwise known as a bunch of extremely cold and dry air, is heading toward Kyle, bringing with it freezing temperatures and the potential for precipitation.
Though this is a familiar threat for our region, it’s one that deserves serious attention, which is why we wanted to let you all know what we’re doing to prepare. From public safety to public works, City of Kyle staff have already kicked off winter weather preparations and are proactively planning for the days ahead.
Here’s a look at what exactly we’re doing:
Pre-Treating Roads for Potential Icy Conditions: City crews are pre-treating priority roads, city-owned parkings lots and facility access points with brine, sand, and other materials. Known trouble spots, such as bridges and steep grades, are being treated in advance to reduce buildup and keep Kyle’s essential services safe and accessible. Also, the Public Works and Wastewater Treatment Plan locations will be pre-treated to mitigate potential ice accumulation.
Fueling and Staging Equipment: Brine trucks, salt spreads, and all relevant equipment will be properly fueled with reserves nearby. Sand stockpiles will be prepared and staged as a contingency treatment if icing conditions worsen or brine effectiveness diminishes due to cold temperatures.
Winterizing Indoor and Outdoor Facilities: Park restrooms and water fountains are temporarily closed now through Wednesday, January 28 (weather permitting) for winterization. This involves shutting off the water supply, draining lines and insulating any pipes or infrastructure to protect plumbing systems and park infrastructure from potential freeze-related damage. Properly winterizing facilities utilized by our community reduces the risk of system failures and helps avoid costly repairs.
Preparing On-Call Crews: City staff in the Transportation and Public Works, Water Utilities, Parks and Recreation, Communications, Emergency Management, and Kyle Police Department are being scheduled and placed on standby to respond over the weekend. These schedules ensure adequate coverage of our roads, public safety, utilities, and communications channels so the community can stay safe, informed, and supported throughout the winter weather event.
Finally, we are going to be monitoring the situation and communicating with you all weekend.
Kyle Water Utilities staff will be monitoring our new SCADA system to ensure our water levels, pressure, and overall supply remain stable and reliable throughout the winter weather event. In the event of power outages, back-up generators are in place at key locations throughout the water system to maintain electrical service to critical locations. Back-up generators are capable of being deployed to alternate locations on an as needed basis.
Transportation and Public Works will keep an eye on road conditions, particularly on areas with known trouble spots and bridges.
Our Emergency Management Department is relaying all relevant information gathered during regularly scheduled updates with the National Weather Service and a local incident meteorologist to the on-call departments including the Communications Department who will send that information your way.
All updates will be posted online and on social media as they are received. Be sure to visit CityofKyle.gov and follow our social media channels @CityofKyleTX on Facebook and Nextdoor.
Now that that is all out of the way, here is what we need from you.
- Don’t panic, prepare! Visit CityofKyle.gov/Winter for more information at what to do before, during and after a winter storm.
- Sign up for WarnCentralTexas.org to receive accurate and timely local alerts.
- Stay home! Take this opportunity to get cozy, try out a new recipe, binge the first three seasons of Bridgerton. The safety of you and your family is the most important, so please hunker down and help keep our roads clear for emergency crews.
For even more information on getting you and your family prepared, not just for this weekend’s potential weather, but for any future events, visit the following resources:
- CityofKyle.gov/EmergencyManagement
- CityofKyle.gov/Winter
- Give our previous Kyle TX News article Winter’s First Whisper Gives Kyle Time to Prepare Together a read.
