What's happening?
The National Weather Service predicts a high likelihood of precipitation from Jan. 8-10, with increasing chances of ice or sleet in affected areas, which includes New Braunfels, San Antonio, Kyle, Austin, San Marcos and other surrounding areas.
What residents should know
NBU has implemented a series of measures geared toward protecting city infrastructure and supporting customer readiness, according to a news release, which includes the installation of smart switches to detect faults. NBU also added insulation, weatherproof enclosures and freeze protection to critical infrastructure throughout the city.
NBU will send out crews for tree trimming to prevent ice-laden branches from disrupting power lines. Customers can also request tree trimming near power lines through NBU’s online portal, according to the news release.
Mark Steelman, NBU’s chief operations officer, emphasized the importance of winter preparation.
“Preparation ensures service reliability during winter conditions,” Steelman said in the news release. “Crews are focused on maintaining and restoring services safely and efficiently. Customers can also prepare their homes for winter conditions.”
NBU is also advising customers to:
- Seal windows and doors to reduce drafts.
- Check heating systems for proper operation.
- Insulate pipes to prevent freezing.
- Stock essential items, such as food, water, flashlights and blankets.
- Open cabinets under sinks to circulate warm air around water pipes.
- Set thermostats to at least 55 degrees or 68 degrees when home.
- Drain and store water hoses, cover outdoor faucets, and turn off irrigation systems.
- Locate and learn how to use the main water shut-off valve.
Comal County advises checking on neighbors and ensuring pets have shelter or are brought indoors. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and prepare for potential wintry conditions using the "4 P's" of cold weather safety, which include:
- People
- Pets
- Pipes
- Plants
For more winter weather tips, individuals can visit www.nbutexas.com/winter-freeze-tips. NBU will also be tracking outages in real time—which can be viewed at www.nbutexas.com/outages.
