In anticipation of winter storm conditions over the weekend, the Taylor Emergency Management Team has taken steps to prepare for adverse conditions and potential emergencies, city officials said.
The National Weather Service issued a winterweather watch for Williamson County from midnight Saturday until noon Sunday.
The forecast calls for at least 48 hours of sub-freezing temperatures and possible freezing rain.
The Taylor Fire Department is monitoring NWS updates and working closely with emergency-management operations, according to an online post.
One report from the city noted, “Ice accumulations of 0.10 to 0.25 inches are likely across the warning area, with dangerously cold temperatures expected.” Highlights from the city include:
• All city parks closed by Friday afternoon. Water was shut off and bathrooms were locked.
• Generators at city facilities are fully fueled.
• The Public Works Department has a sand truck for deployment in case of ice or snow on the roads.
• The Taylor Police Department has vehicles equipped with chains in preparation for rapid response.
• St. James’ Episcopal Church, 614 Davis St., opened a 24-hour cold weather shelter Friday night for those needing a warm place to stay. The shelter will remain open until Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas have told various media outlets the grid should be able to handle the increased demand for power.
Meanwhile, officials urge residents to remember the four Ps during a deep freeze: people, pets, pipes and plants. Keep people, plants and pets warm and indoors or sheltered from the cold, and wrap pipes to prevent freezing and ruptures.
The emergency-management team will provide weather-related updates on the city’s website at taylortx. gov and on facebook.com/ cityoftaylortexas/.
Above: While there are large gaps in the bread aisle, H-E-B, NW 100 Carlos G. Parker Blvd., still had plenty of bread available in all price ranges. Left: Workers at H-E-B, NW 100 Carlos G. Parker Blvd., stock the store as fast as shelves are emptying as people prepare for Winter Storm Fern.
