(This story was updated to add new information.)
An extreme cold warning, including a medium chance of freezing rain, is in effect from Jan. 24 through Jan. 25, according to the National Weather Service office in Corpus Christi.
With the increasing possibility of wind chills dropping into the mid-teens to mid-20s Jan. 24, the extreme cold watch was upgraded to an extreme cold warning. Additionally, a freeze watch will go into effect midnight Jan. 24 through noon Jan. 25.
There is a 30% to 40% probability freezing rain could hit the Coastal Bend. If it does, it could cause icing of bridges and overpasses, slick roadways, potential power outages and damage to tree limbs.
Temperatures are forecast to be in the teens to low 30s with wind chill values as low as 5 degrees. Frostbite and hypothermia are likely if unprotected skin is exposed to these types of temperatures, the National Weather Service reported.
People can expect 12 to 16 hours of freezing temperatures from the evening of Jan. 24 through the morning of Jan. 25.
The National Weather Service of Corpus Christi upgraded the extreme cold watch to an extreme cold warning on Jan. 23. Freezing temperatures are expected to hit the Coastal Bend late Jan. 24.
What’s been delayed or closed in Corpus Christi due to weather?
As of Jan. 23, the following have been delayed/closed:
The Art Center of Corpus Christi announced it will be closed Jan. 26.
The Corpus Christi Education Foundation’s Hearts & Minds 5K Run has been rescheduled for 8 a.m. on Jan. 31 at Water’s Edge Park.
Where to stay warm in Corpus Christi and Nueces County
The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority will allow people to ride fare-free upon telling the bus operator they will travel to the nearest daytime warming center or overnight refuge center. The return trip is also free.
These overnight refuge centers, which allow pets, will be open:
Robstown Senior Community Center
Where: 415 Mainer Road in Robstown
Hours: 5 p.m. on Jan. 24 through mid-morning Jan. 27
Cots, food and beverages will be provided.
Ben Garza Gym
Hours: 5 p.m. Jan. 24 through the afternoon of Jan. 27, depending on weather conditions
Del Mar College Windward Campus FEMA Dome
Where: 4101 Old Brownsville Road
Hours: 5 p.m. Jan. 24 through the afternoon of Jan. 27, depending on weather conditions
Someone seeking shelter from the winter storm picks out a blanket at the Salvation Army warming center, Jan. 20, 2022, in Corpus Christi. The shelter had 30 beds on Thursday and staff handed out food and water.
All Corpus Christi Public Libraries and senior centers are open during regular operating hours, but these four sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 25 for use as daytime warming centers:
Ben F. McDonald Library: 4044 Greenwood Drive
Ethel Eyerly Senior Center: 654 Graham Road
La Retama Central Library: 805 Comanche St. The center will also be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 26.
Owen R. Hopkins Library: 3202 McKinzie Road
How to stay safe in extreme cold
While the cold weather is forecast to be in the area only for a couple of days, one should still take proper measures to stay safe.
Dress in layers and cover any exposed skin. Stay dry and avoid sweating, while also limiting outdoor time.
Keep your gas tank more than half full, and stock it with a few blankets and a safety kit. Maintain tire pressure and avoid unnecessary travel if conditions warrant. Be extra cautious on bridges, overpasses, ramps and turns. Increase the following distance between you and other vehicles.
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If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes and steer into the direction of the skid. Remain in your vehicle and dial 911 to alert emergency services.
Bring your pets indoors and limit their time outside. Be sure to cover and check their paws. If you see a pet in need outdoors, call the Customer Call Center at 311 during regular business hour to place a call for service for an officer to respond. After hours, call the Corpus Christi Police Department non-emergency line at 361-886-2600.
If you lose power to your home, call AEP Texas at 1-877-373-4858 to report the outage. To report hazards or for general inquiries, call 1-866-223-8508.
A broken water pipe creates iced over plants along Staples Street near Doddridge Street as temperatures dip below freezing on Monday, Feb. 15, 2021.
The Corpus Christi Fire Department urges residents to be careful when heating their homes. Inspect all heating equipment before use and make sure all space heaters are dust-free. Never run extension cords under rugs or carpets, and use extreme caution when using space heaters, kitchen stoves, firepits or generators to warm homes.
Never use charcoal grills, generators or other fuel-burning devices indoors since they produce carbon monoxide and cause structure fires. Always turn heaters off when leaving your home.
Corpus Christi Water advises people to wrap outdoor and exposed pipes with foam insulation, and to disconnect outdoor hoses to prevent water from freezing in the lines. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated faucet covers or wrap them in towels.
Open cabinets under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate pipes. Only drip faucets if absolutely necessary. If done, catch the dripping water in a container for reuse.
Mulch or cover outdoor plants with straw, blankets or cardboard. To prevent heat loss from plant containers, push outdoor pots together and wrap the bases with a blanket.
What to do if you’re out of town
Be sure to turn the water off at the property owner’s cut-off valve, if possible, and insulate any exposed backflow prevention devices.
Keep your home heated and set the thermostat inside to a temperature warmer than 55 degrees.
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Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer air to circulate below the sinks. Open doors to all rooms to ensure heat is moving throughout the entire house.
If possible, ask a friend or neighbor to check your home daily to ensure it is warm enough to prevent freezing.
John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Have a story idea? Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Here’s how to stay warm during extreme cold warning in Corpus Christi