The National Weather Service placed much of North Texas under a Winter Storm Warning
Winter weather is set to make a forceful arrival across North Texas this weekend, with an Arctic cold front expected to bring snow, sleet and freezing rain to the region.
The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of North Texas, including Collin County cities, from 6 p.m. Jan. 23, through noon Jan. 25.
As residents stock up and plan to stay off the roads, local governments across Collin County are also ramping up preparations to protect people, infrastructure and essential services.
Plano Prepares Roads, Parks And Public Safety
The city of Plano is taking a multi-department approach to winter weather readiness, with Emergency Management officials closely monitoring forecasts and conditions.
Public Works crews began winter operations by applying brine ahead of freezing temperatures to help prevent ice from forming on bridges and major intersections. Once temperatures drop further, crews will transition to salt and sand to melt ice and improve traction. City teams will also monitor intersections for power outages, reminding drivers that intersections with dark signals should be treated as four-way stops.
Residents are encouraged to stay home during hazardous conditions and take steps to protect people, pets and property. City officials are asking residents to bring pets indoors, turn off automatic sprinklers, report power outages directly to providers and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors. Anyone concerned about pets left outside without proper shelter is urged to contact Plano Animal Services so staff can intervene before conditions worsen.
Plano Parks and Recreation is also taking precautions by shutting down select water amenities to prevent freezing damage. All park drinking fountains are closed until temperatures return to safe levels, and dog park fountains will close at noon Jan. 23. Several restroom buildings will also temporarily close beginning Friday morning, including facilities at Russell Creek Park near the athletic fields, Preston Meadow Park, Cheyenne Park and Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve. Services will reopen once conditions improve.
City updates and winter preparedness resources are available at plano.gov/winterprep.
Photo: Tim Krochak for LocalXpress
McKinney Focuses On Infrastructure And Warming Support
In McKinney, city crews are actively preparing facilities and equipment ahead of the storm. Preparations include fueling and inspecting generators, vehicles and chainsaws, insulating exposed piping, checking heating systems and moving emergency equipment indoors to prevent freezing.
Public Works has seven spreaders ready and plans to apply sand at major intersections throughout the city, with special attention given to hospital entrances to ensure access for ambulances and emergency responders.
The city is also prepared to activate its McKinney Emergency Overnight Warming Station when conditions warrant. Residents can check daily after noon for updates by calling the MEOWS hotline at 919-636-9789.
McKinney will share all weather-related updates at McKinneyTexas.org/Weather.
Prosper Brines Bridges And Critical Roads
The town of Prosper is also preparing crews to remain operational throughout the event. Public Works teams are brining and sanding bridges, major intersections, steep grades and critical facilities, while TxDOT is treating major state roadways. Residential streets will not be treated, and officials are asking residents to avoid unnecessary travel and use caution if driving is unavoidable.
Emergency management, police, fire and communications staff will remain on duty throughout the storm and continue to provide updates as conditions evolve.
Winter weather resources and updates for Prosper are available at prospertx.gov/winterweather.
As the storm approaches, city officials across Collin County are emphasizing preparation, patience and safety, urging residents to stay informed and limit travel until conditions improve.
Governor Abbott Activates State Resources
Ahead of the storm, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 134 counties, including Collin County, allowing state resources to be mobilized quickly if needed.
“Whenever we go through any type of disaster, job number one is always protecting lives,” said Governor Abbott.
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