City of McKinney preps for arctic cold front

The city’s Public Works staff are fueling and inspecting generators, vehicles and critical equipment that may be needed this weekend. Crews are insulating exposed piping at city facilities, checking heating systems and moving emergency vehicles and equipment indoors, according to the news release.

Staff schedules are being adjusted to ensure crews are on call and ready to respond during the winter event. Public Works staff are planning to apply sand at major intersections throughout McKinney with a focus on hospital entrances to support ambulance access, according to the news release.

Also of note

Two service providers currently host warming stations in McKinney:

• McKinney Emergency Overnight Warming Station
  • 1615 W. Louisiana St.
  • Generally open Sunday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • Call 919-636-9789 for opening updates
  • Sign up to volunteer
• The Salvation Army
  • 600 Wilson Creek Parkway
  • Generally open Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • Call 972-542-6694 for opening updates
  • Sign up to volunteer

Cold temperatures are forecast to begin overnight Friday and continue into Saturday, with temperatures anticipated to drop as low as 11 or 12 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday night. Wind chills overnight Saturday into Sunday could sit between 0 and -10 degrees.

Widespread wintry precipitation is expected throughout Saturday and potentially into Sunday morning. It’s expected to stop by Sunday morning, but melting may not improve until Tuesday.

Staying prepared

With the cold weather coming, the National Weather Service recommends residents:

• Protect outdoor pipes
• Let indoor faucets drip
• Bring pets inside
• Check on neighbors