Kerr County officials reminding citizens to prepare for upcoming cold front

Kerr County officials are reminding citizens that a polar front is expected to arrive late this weekend.  “We’re talking low temperatures in the 10-15 degree range this Sunday (January 14) through Tuesday (Jan. 16),” said Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator Dub Thomas.  Daytime temperatures are expected to warm to the 3os and 40s, but residents are advised to take precautions, including wrapping their pipes, and bringing pets and cold-sensitive plants indoors. Livestock should be kept in sheltered areas.

Thomas also suggests keeping water in gallon or 5-gallon containers in case pipes freeze up.  This will allow residents to still utilize water for drinking and flushing toilets.  Anyone using space heaters is encouraged to use caution at all times, and never leave anything flammable within three feet of space heaters.  Those who believe they might be low on natural gas or propane for their home should get it now in advance.

Officials also encourage citizens to put a couple of blankets, a flashlight, fresh batteries , and some drinking water in their vehicles.  “If you break down somewhere, those supplies will come in handy if you have to wait for help,” said Thomas.

The Austin/San Antonio National Weather Service forecast office said that it is too soon to predict if there will be any precipitation with the front.  The NWS forecasters stated that this Thursday afternoon could see temperatures ranging from the mid to upper-70s, which offers people a perfect opportunity to prepare for the cold weather.  The next low pressure system is set to arrive by Friday, bringing with it gusty winds of 25-35 miles per hour.  The NWS said the winds are expected to die down by early Saturday morning, before temperatures drop down to the upper 20s to lower 30s.

Kerr County will continue to monitor the weather forecast and will provide more details as the week progresses.