Just in: New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center serving as warming station

The New Braunfels Civic and Convention Center, located at 375 S. Castell Ave., is now serving as a cold-weather warming center for those without power, stranded motorists and anyone in need of electricity.

A news release from the city states the center opened at 4 p.m. Feb. 17, is accessible to anyone free of charge, and will remain operational until winter weather improves and rotating power outages are no longer necessary.

Space will be limited due to COVID-19 protocols, according to the release, and the entrance to the warming center will be from the Castell Avenue side of the facility.

“Although this unprecedented winter storm has been challenging on a number of levels, the New Braunfels community is doing what it always does ... rally together to find ways to help one another,” New Braunfels Mayor Rusty Brockman said. “Our hope is that the Warming Center at the Civic Center provides some help and comfort to those in need of electricity, warmth, and other resources while our community deals with continued winter weather and power outages.”

Although the city is partnering with area agencies to provide resources including limited food and cots, they are limited, and officials are encouraging anyone using the warming center to bring their own provisions such as food, drinks, blankets, sleeping bags medicine and toiletries.

The release states space at the warming center is limited, and users are encouraged to call ahead to make sure that there is space available. A 24-hour hotline has been established for those wishing to check on the status of space availability at the warming center: 830-221-4002.