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LIVE UPDATES: Roads are icy across North Texas, hard freeze warning issued for overnight

A shot of a snow-covered road and sidewalk in Dallas
Penelope James
/
KERA News
About 30,000 Oncor customers are without power this morning due to the arrival of a winter storm in North Texas.

Grocery shelves are bare, schools are closed and officials are encouraging people to stay at home as North Texas experiences the first winter storm of 2022.

A winter storm blew into Dallas-Fort Worth on Thursday, dropping freezing rain and sleet that covered trees, streets and sidewalks with a thin layer of ice; Friday brings dangerously cold temperatures. A hard freeze warning will be in effect from midnight until 9 a.m. Saturday for North Texas, as well as north to the Texas-Oklahoma border and as far south as Waco. The weather forced cancellations of everything from schools to airline flights. Here are the latest updates on how the storm is affecting North Texas:

Dallas animal shelter overflows with pets that need a home — Feb. 4, 3:37 p.m.

The city of Dallas has received an overflow of emergency calls about dogs and cats stuck in the cold.

Now, its animal shelter is full and needs the community's help.

"We are we are responding to calls for service related to the weather from pets. Being outside our field team is working around the clock," Leah Backo with Dallas Animal Services said.

The shelter located at 1818 N Westmoreland Rd. will be open throughout the weekend. But Backo acknowledges it may be difficult to drive to the shelter due to slippery road conditions.

"We're not really sure what to expect in terms of adopters and fosters coming out. But we hope that they do come out because we are very, very full," she said.

Residents wanting to foster or adopt can also do so online and pick up their pets when roads are safer.

Backo also encourages residents who see animals outside for long periods of time to call 3-1-1 to report it.

— Alejandra Martinez, Dallas Accountability Reporter

Dallas police report longer response times due to traffic incidents — Feb. 4, 3:07 p.m.

Dallas police said they’ve responded to more than two hundred traffic incidents between Thursday and Friday.

Road conditions are expected to remain dangerous through Saturday morning.

Dallas Police Officer Brian Martinez asks people to be prepared if they have to drive.

"In the event [that] you become stuck on the grass or your car just can't get out of a certain situation – have some water, have some snacks in the car and understand that, you know, when you call 911 or call a wrecker, there might be a little bit longer response time just because of these type of weather conditions,” Martinez said.

Martinez also asks drivers to keep a safe distance from others and slow down near stranded motorists.

The Texas Department of Transportation is still cautioning people to stay off the roads as police respond to traffic incidents.

— Pablo Arauz Peña, Breaking News Reporter

Dallas officials say stay home because roads are slippery — Feb. 4, 1:30 p.m.

There is no clear answer as to when it will be safe to drive again. But Dallas city officials urge residents should stay inside. Freezing temperatures will continue throughout the weekend making for hazardous road conditions.

"The roads are terrible. It's like you're on an ice rink," Justin Ball, Dallas Fire-Rescue Assistant Chief said. "If it can be avoided I would stay home until the roads are dried up."

Ball said the city's Department of Public Works is prioritizing road safety. Trucks will be sanding and salting roads and bridges.

"The primary thing is areas in which a emergency vehicle need to get through," Travis Houston, Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator said.

If you identify a road that needs sanding call 311.

— Alejandra Martinez, Dallas Accountability Reporter

Dallas Fair Park homeless shelter will stay open until next week — Feb. 4, 1:10 p.m.

The Fair Park Automobile building will remain open until Tuesday morning for people experiencing homelessness needing a warm and safe place to stay.

Over 800 people, five dogs and one cat are currently staying at the shelter according to Christine Crossley, director of Office of Homeless Solutions in Dallas.

Before people needing transportation to the center would use the Dallas Area Rapid Transit service. But due to to hazardous road conditions in North Texas, DART has suspend bus routes.

"We are being helped by Dallas Fire-Rescue and DPD in terms of getting anybody to their park," Crossley said. "If you see anybody who is outside, please tell them to get to the nearest shelter."

People will be COVID tested before entering the shelter and will receive free meals. The warming center is located at 1010 1st Avenue.

— Alejandra Martinez, Dallas Accountability Reporter

Trinity Metro cancels buses, other services through Saturday — Feb. 4, 1:08 p.m.

Fort Worth-based Trinity Metro has canceled bus services through Saturday due to winter weather and icy road conditions.

“Trinity Metro will continue to evaluate conditions for operations on Sunday, Feb. 6,” the agency wrote on its website.

The agency also cancelled paratransit services, except for “life-sustaining” medical purposes like dialysis.

Zipzone rides have also been cancelled through Saturday.

Trinity's TEXRail train to the airport will continue on its regular schedule through the weekend.

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) trains will operate on a Saturday schedule throughout both Friday and Saturday.

Christopher Connelly, reporter

Fort Worth solid waste collection set to resume on Monday — Feb. 4, 12:04 p.m.

Fort Worth residents whose waste collection service was canceled on either Thursday or Friday, will have to wait until next week for garbage and recycling pick-up.

City officials say collection services will resume on Monday, Feb. 7. The city will also reopen its four drop-off waste stations on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 8 a.m.

Residents who missed their collection this week due to weather cancellations will not receive a make-up collection service. However, they will be allowed to place an extra bag of garbage next to their cart during their trash collection service next week. Officials have asked residents with Thursday and Friday pick-up service days to remove their carts from the curb and place them out again next week.

Click here for the latest updates on Fort Worth public services.

— Sara Hutchinson, KERA News Intern

Denton County Transportation Authority Suspends Services — Feb. 4, 11:56 a.m.

Due to icy roads and persisting severe weather, Denton County Transportation Authority has suspended all A-train, Connect, and GoZone services for Friday, Feb. 4. The University of North Texas shuttle is also closed due to the campus closure.

Paratransit services and the Monsignor King Shuttle service will remain in operation during normal hours.

DCTA says it is continuing to monitor weather conditions for service impacts and says riders should anticipate additional service disruptions. As the ice begins to melt, riders are urged to use caution at bus stops and platforms.

Check here for the latest DCTA service updates.

— Sara Hutchinson, KERA News Intern

DART suspends all bus services through Sunday — Feb. 4, 8:46 a.m.

Due to hazardous road conditions in North Texas, Dallas Area Rapid Transit will suspend operations beginning 12 p.m. Services are set to resume at noon on Sunday.

Passengers who need emergency service are encouraged to contact the DART Customer Information Center at (214) 979-1111.

Riders can find more information and receive alerts about service changes on the DART website.

— Ana Perez, Producer with KERA News

TXDoT warns of slick roads this morning — Feb. 4, 8:39 a.m.

Temperatures will begin to rise today, but the state transportation department urges drivers to remain cautious of slick roadways this morning

"We still will be out because refreezing is a possibility tonight and several nights in a row with these extreme freezing temperatures in the forecast," said TXDoT spokesperson Kenna Mitchell.

As people travel to and from airports this weekend, TXDoT checking out the latest road conditions in North Texas on the department's website.

Ana Perez, Producer with KERA News

About 7,500 Oncor customers still remain without power — Feb. 4, 8:30 a.m.

The outages mostly remain between Dallas-Fort Worth and Red River county.

Jennifer Myers with the Dallas-based provider talked about how warming temperatures will make repairs easier.

"That sunshine is going to help melt the roadways, and when we see that that's going to make plows job a lot easier, which then, in turn, benefits us because our crews are able to get to places that need restoration even more quickly," said Myers.

The bulk of about 6,000 crewmen are currently working on restoring power across North Texas.

Ana Perez, Producer with KERA News

Wind chill advisory issued — Feb. 3, 9:02 p.m.

The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a wind chill advisory effective from 9 p.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday. Wind chills will range from -5 to 5 degrees during that time period, which can induce hypothermia.

Additionally, the NWS released official snowfall totals for the region, which ranged from 3-5 inches in the northwest part of the Dallas-Fort Worth area to about 0.3 inches to the southeast.

Stephen Becker

Arlington closures extended through Friday — Feb. 3, 6:06 p.m.

Arlington's pause on non-emergency public services will continue through Friday, a city spokesperson said in an email. The city announced Wednesday evening it would halt operation of its rideshare transportation services, trash collection and COVID-19 vaccination operations.

— Kailey Broussard, Arlington reporter

Gov. Abbott issues disaster declaration — Feb. 3, 4:58 p.m.

Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for more than a dozen counties heavily affected by the winter storm.

Abbott made the move to, "help local jurisdictions, local governments rapidly respond with the tools and resources they need."

Dallas, Denton, and Rockwall are among the 17 counties named in the disaster declaration.

According to Abbott’s proclamation, the National Weather Service is predicting at least a quarter-inch of ice in these areas.

The Texas Newsroom

Dallas residents should expect trash pick up delays — Feb. 3, 3:55 p.m.

Dallas residents waiting for trash pick up might have to wait a little longer. Thursday garbage collections were canceled due to unsafe weather and hazardous road conditions. And residents on Friday routes may experience collection delays as well.

The department reports that a significant number of staff members were impacted by the storm. Short-staff also contributed to the delay. But the city tweets sanitation crews will return to areas not serviced as soon as possible on Friday or Saturday.

On the city's website it says it is not necessary to report a missed collection to 311 unless materials have not been collected after more than 48 hours. Click here for more sanitation updates.

— Alejandra Martinez, Dallas Accountability Reporter

Arlington trash collection services canceled Friday — Feb. 3, 1:58 p.m.

Republic Services canceled all routes in Arlington Friday, Feb. 4. Customers who normally receive curbside service on Thursdays and Fridays will be served on their next collection day. The city will update service information on its social media channels.

— Kailey Broussard, Arlington reporter

TXDoT reminds residents to stay off the roads — Feb. 3, 1:07 p.m.

The Texas Department of Transportation is warning people to stay off the roads as crews treat highways and interstates across the region.

TXDOT spokesperson Kenna Mitchell said crews are responsible for more than six thousand miles of highways, interstates and bridges across North Texas.

“They're working to not only plow this material and move it off the roadway but also breaking up the ice either through brine applications or salt applications," Mitchell said.

Mitchell said TxDOT crews have been working overnight and throughout the day to keep roads clear.

“Even as this storm wraps up, we're still going to be out there making sure roadways are clear, that we have clear driving lanes, and also closely checking because we know that refreezing is a potential as well,” Mitchell said.

More information on current highway conditions is on the department's website.

— Pablo Arauz Peña, Breaking News Reporter

Dallas main library and six library branch locations open as warming centers — Feb. 3, 12:30 p.m.

The Dallas main library in downtown opened its doors Thursday at 8 a.m. for people needing a place to warm up. Six library branch locations also opened as warming centers and will remain open until 5 pm.

The J. Erik Jonsson Central Dallas Public Library is located at 1515 Young St. To find the closest warming center visit this map linked here.

"Several of the area shelters are needing things like water and winter jackets and warm clothing," Christine Crossley, the director of the city's Office of Homeless Solutions said.

People wanting to donate should call warming shelters for instructions on how to.

— Alejandra Martinez, Dallas Accountability Reporter

Dallas weather shelter for the homeless still accepting guests — Feb. 3, 12:30 p.m.

As of this morning, Christine Crossley said close to 500 people experiencing homelessness, five dogs and one cat are receiving shelter at Fair Park's Automobile Building. And there's still room for more people.

The director of the city's Office of Homeless Solutions said the intake process is running smoothly and people coming in will get a free COVID test and meals. The shelter at 1010 First Ave. will be open through at least Saturday.

"People who are living in their cars, this is a safe place to park and you can come inside," Crossely said.

Out of safety to Dallas residents staying at the South Dallas Center currently no donations are being accepted here.

— Alejandra Martinez, Dallas Accountability Reporter

Airport winter weather update- Feb 3. 12:21 p.m.

In a 10:45 a.m. morning statement DFW International Airport announced their opening of a runway for operations but expect stoppages throughout the day. They are encouraging customers to check with their airlines for flight updates.

Commercial flights scheduled for Dallas Love Field Airport have been canceled for the day, confirmed by their communications department but airport operations will remain active.

Solomon Wilson, Marjorie Welch Fitts Louis Fellow~ Reporter

One fatality, 45 road accidents, Dallas Fire-Rescue official says — Feb. 3, 11:58 a.m.

As of Feb. 3, 9 a.m. the Dallas Fire-Rescue department reports one fatality and 45 vehicle collisions.

"The accident happened on I-45 over the bridge Wednesday evening around 10 p.m.," said Assistant Chief Justin Ball, who handles special operations and emergency response for the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department.

An 18-wheeler flipped over and the driver ejected from the vehicle. Ball said that's the only fatality the department is aware of as of late and that there's no further information about the driver.

The department also reports it received 24 calls about power lines down, which Ball said was higher than usually but something the department can handle.

"We won't get complacent on this and we know the weather event still exists. As always, we hope for the best, but we'll be prepared for the worst," Ball said.

— Alejandra Martinez, Dallas Accountability Reporter

Gov. Abbott says state's power grid is performing well — Feb. 3, 11:34 a.m.

Governor Greg Abbott says Texas is experiencing "one of the most significant icing events" it's seen in several decades. Speaking in Austin today, Abbott said the state's power grid is performing well under current conditions.

He says there should be more than enough power to meet peak demands expected during the storm. Abbott notes that unlike last winter's deadly blackouts, current outages are due to downed power lines or other localized issues.

— Syeda Hasan, KERA Daily News Editor

Plano: Downed tree limbs the biggest issue so far from the storm — Feb. 3, 11:07 a.m.

Plano officials say the biggest issue at the moment is downed tree limbs. The Collin County city received more than 30 calls from residents as of early Thursday morning. One tree fell on a house, while others fell on cars or into roadways. Trees and limbs are at a greater risk of damage due to weakening from last year’s massive winter storm, according to Steve Stoler, a city spokesperson. The Salvation Army reports 105 people stayed Wednesday night at the Plano overnight warming station.

— Eric Aasen, KERA managing editor

Fort Worth community centers open during the day — Feb. 3, 10:40 a.m.

Community centers in Fort Worth will be open from noon to 5 p.m. today to let people get warm, according to a city spokesperson. Find community center locations here.

Public library branches had previously been designated as warming centers but were closed due to the weather.

Those seeking nighttime shelter can text FWCOLD to 817-241-3544 for more information.

Miranda Suarez, Fort Worth Government Accountability Reporter

Warming shelters open in Collin County — Feb. 3, 9:15 a.m.

The Salvation Army has opened warming stations at the Plano Corps and McKinney Corps.

  • Plano Corps: 3528 E. 14th St., Plano, TX 75074 | Phone: (972)-423-8254
  • Mckinney Corps: 600 Wilson Creek Pkwy., McKinney, TX 75069 | Phone: (972) 542-6694

Looking for more information on statewide warming centers? The Texas Department of Emergency Management asks residents to dial 2-1-1.

— Elizabeth Myong, Digital Producer

Several hospitals are closed or have modified hours through Friday — Feb. 3, 9:10 a.m.

All clinics of Parkland Health are closed through tomorrow. The hospital's COVID-19 testing center on Amelia Court is on the list. Parkland will contact patients to reschedule.

Baylor Scott & White hospitals are open, but clinics and outpatient centers will modify schedules today and tomorrow.

All Children’s Health clinics in Dallas and Plano are closed through tomorrow.

All outpatient clinics, regional medical centers, and COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites with UT Southwestern Medical Center are also closed today.

Ana Perez, Producer with KERA News

Arlington facilities, services closed Thursday, warming centers open — Feb. 3, 9:06 a.m.

Many of Arlington’s non-emergency and public safety services are on hold Thursday due to freezing weather.

The city suspended its rideshare transportation services, Via and Handitran, and Republic Services curbside trash and recycling services Thursday due to road conditions.

Several municipal buildings and offices are also closed, including Arlington Fire Department’s public health unit at 2920 S. Cooper St., city hall, municipal court, animal services and Arlington Housing Authority. The city has also closed libraries, recreation centers and parks, as well as the landfill.

The city’s 9-1-1 emergency call center, street and water crews and public safety services will remain running Thursday. Residents can call the city’s Action Center information hotline to at 817-459-6777.

Warming station services are available at The Salvation Armyat 712 W. Abram St. and Arlington Life Shelter at 325 W. Division St. The shelter will offer services between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. through Sunday, and the Salvation Army will house those needing a warm place to stay overnight.

Residents can text “ARLCOLD” to 817-241-3544 for updates on warming stations.

— Kailey Broussard, Arlington reporter

TxDOT crews work to treat roads this morning — Feb. 3, 8:52 a.m.

As freezing rain continues across North Texas, the state transportation department's treating roadways as quickly as possible.

"Trying to limit the amount of traffic that's on the roadways certainly does make it safer and it also gives our crews more room to get their work done," Kenna Mitchell with TXDoT said.

TxDOT crews are especially focusing on overpasses and bridges since they feel the effects of inclement weather first.

So far this morning, one crash in Dallas threw the driver of a truck from the cab onto I-30 below.

Ana Perez, Producer with KERA News

Dallas library branches and recreation centers offer residents temporary relief from the cold — Feb. 3, 7:27 a.m.

Each warming station will be open during regular business hours. The full list of locations and hours is on the city's website.

— Ana Perez, Producer with KERA News

Oncor reports several outages across North Texas — Feb. 3, 7:20 a.m.

About 30,000 Oncor customers are without power this morning due to the arrival of winter storm Landon. The majority of outages are in Dallas. Oncor also reports about 5,000 outages near the Red River on the Texas-Oklahoma border and 1,000 outages in the Permian Basin in west Texas.

Oncor says its damage assessment, power restoration and vegetation management crews have been working since the arrival of the storm. More than 1,700 workers from other power agencies in various states have been assisting Oncor.

Ana Perez, Producer with KERA News

Fort Worth library branches closed Thursday — Feb. 2, 9:33 p.m.

The Fort Worth Public Library will close all of its branches on Thursday due to the weather. The city had previously announced that residents could treat libraries as warming shelters, during business hours only.

Miranda Suarez, Fort Worth Government Accountability Reporter

Food bank closed, mobile distributions canceled - Feb. 2, 8:27 p.m.

The North Texas Food Bank will be closed Thursday and Friday due to the winter storm. All volunteer shifts on those days have been canceled. The food bank’s mobile pantry distributions have also been canceled for the remainder of the week. That includes events on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

— Courtney Collins, Senior Editor/Projects

Oncor says ice is the biggest threat to power delivery - Feb. 2, 7:07 p.m.

Oncor crews are watching out for ice accumulation as temperatures drop and rain is expected to turn into freezing rain, sleet, and snow. According to a news release, ice “will pose the greatest possible impact to electric delivery service. These accumulations can weigh down tree limbs, causing them to significantly sag or break onto power lines.”

Oncor will tap support from ten different states to get disrupted power back online in Texas after the storm. There are about 1,500 utility workers who could potentially be called on. Oncor says the plan is to schedule 16 hour shifts, 24 hours a day.

— Courtney Collins, Senior Editor/Projects

Flights canceled, delayed as winter blast presses closer - Feb. 2, 5:21 p.m.

As winter weather looms, the two major airlines based in North Texas, American and Southwest, have canceled hundreds of flights and the numbers keep growing. Southwest had cancelled the most of any airline, nearly 500, by late afternoon Wednesday. American has cancelled more than 250.

Both carriers have already delayed slightly more flights than they’ve canceled.

—Bill Zeeble, Education Reporter

Dallas preps roads for snow - Feb. 2, 5:00 p.m.

Drivers may face hazardous conditions if North Texas sees heavy accumulations of ice and snow. The City of Dallas is preparing for that. It will deploy 20 sanding trucks starting tonight.

The trucks will spread a salt and sand mixture on the roads. That provides better traction for vehicles and the salt melts the ice.

"We have the capability to ramp up to 40 trucks in the event that those those additional trucks are needed," Robert Perez, director of Dallas' Department of Public Works said.

Perez said trucks can also scrape snow if needed. Truck drivers will focus on main corridors and intersections. And the trucks will be deployed on a 24 hour basis.

— Alejandra Martinez, Dallas Accountability Reporter

Dallas opens warming center for people experiencing homelessness - Feb. 2, 5:00 p.m.

Dallas has opened the Fair Park automobile building for anyone who needs a warm place to stay as temperatures drop.

"We are trying to make it as open as accessible in the low barrier for everyone as is possible. There is a security presence to make sure that everybody is safe, but things are running really smoothly right now," Christine Crossley, director of Dallas' Office of Homeless Solutions said.

"We've had quite a few people coming in to shelter and things seem to be working really well."

Crossley said the center can hold up to 1,000 people experiencing homelessness. People coming in will get a free COVID test and meals. The South Dallas center will be open 24 hours and will stay available through at least Sunday.

— Alejandra Martinez, Dallas Accountability Reporter

Schools, colleges and universities close ahead of winter storm - Feb. 2, 4:38 p.m.

Many North Texas schools and colleges have announced closures due to the storm.

Dallas ISD and Fort Worth ISD will be closed Thursday and Friday.

Allen, Arlington, Cedar Hill, Crowley, DeSoto, Duncanville, Everman, Frisco, Garland, Grand Prairie, Greenville, Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Mansfield, and Plano ISDs are among the many districts closed Thursday and Friday. Lancaster ISD will pivot to virtual learning for the rest of the week.

Collin College has canceled classes Wednesday evening, Thursday and Friday. The Dallas Baptist University campus is closed Thursday and Friday. Classes will take place virtually. Dallas College says all in-person classes will be canceled Thursday and Friday, but online classes will continue and virtual student services will remain available. SMU classes will go virtual starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday. TCU has canceled classes from Wednesday evening through Friday at 5 p.m.

— Courtney Collins, Senior Editor/Projects

No electric generators in Dallas, but emergency director ensures safety – Feb. 2, 3:58 p.m.

As the 2022 winter storm inches closer, Dallas Emergency Management director Rocky Vaz says the city still has not received electric generators that would have helped residents stay warm during freezing temperatures if the power goes out.

"We don't have generators. If the power goes out we have other plans such as the convention centers that have back-up generator power," Vaz said.

After Winter Storm Uri last year City of Dallas officials had ordered electric generators to be used at three libraries and five recreation centers across Dallas, as well as six mobile power units. But supply chain issues delayed both shipments.

Vaz assures that the city has adjusted this year's plan without those generators in mind.

"Our main priority ensure that people have a safe and warm place to go," Vaz said.

— Alejandra Martinez, Dallas Accountability Reporter

DART suspends rail service and limits bus service through Sunday — Feb. 2, 3:52 p.m.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit is suspending rail service starting Thursday through Sunday afternoon said spokesperson Gordon Shattles in an email.

DART will operate 14 bus shuttles between rail stations for passengers who need to travel. Meanwhile, bus routes will operate on a Sunday schedule during the same timeframe.

Shattles said the DART is recommending passengers avoid travel due to the expected poor conditions.

The Trinity Railway Express will operate regular service. The Dallas Streetcar will not operate at this time. More information can be found on DART’s winter weather page.

— Pablo Arauz Peña, Breaking News Reporter

Warming shelters open up in North Texas — Feb. 2, 3:45 p.m.

Libraries and community centers in Fort Worth will be open as warming centers during normal business hours, according to the city, which advises people seeking warmth to call ahead to make sure the buildings are open.

The Fort Worth Convention Center is not a designated warming center for this storm, unlike last February's freeze.

The Rail Club Live, a music venue at 3101 Joyce Dr. in Fort Worth, also plans to open its doors as a warming shelter, according to its Facebook page.

In Dallas, Fair Park's automobile building at 1010 1st Ave. will serve as a warming center.

Arlington Life Shelter at 325 W. Division Street in Arlington has opened up its cold weather shelter until Sunday.

—Miranda Suarez, Fort Worth Government Accountability Reporter

Roads will be a mess, transportation officials warn – Feb. 2, 1:48 p.m.

Roads are being treated across North Texas in advance of expected ice and snow.

“It is going to be a mess,” said Kendall Kirkham Sloan, a spokesperson with the Texas Department of Transportation. “So the biggest message is to please make arrangements and just stay home so we can get through this.”

In Dallas, about 40 public works trucks will be sanding and salting local roads and bridges. The city’s transportation department will work to install temporary traffic signals and stop signs in places where traffic signals aren’t working, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson said.

Grocery lines were long at stores across North Texas and some store shelves have emptied.

Several school districts have already cancelled classes for Thursday and Friday, including Dallas and Fort Worth ISDs.

Meteorologists say the impending storm won’t be as cold or last as long as last year’s deadly freeze, when temperatures dropped below zero and left thousands of homes without heat for days. Nearly 250 people died across Texas during the 2021 storm.

— Bill Zeeble, KERA Reporter

Dallas-based nonprofit restocks menstrual hygiene supplies for the unhoused — Feb. 2, 1:44 p.m.

Chhaupadi, a Dallas-based nonprofit focused on menstrual health awareness in Nepal and North Texas, are refilling their community cabinets ahead of the freeze.

Extreme weather can make it even more difficult for vulnerable populations, like the unhoused, to stock hygiene supplies. Founder Jessica Nordon says supplies move quickly.

“Anything will help, when I tell people we’ve collected 48,000 period products in two years but that goes very fast," Nordon said. "What people don’t know is that period products are in high demand especially here in the DFW area with the unhoused population.”

Almost a dozen cabinets contain menstrual care products and other personal hygiene supplies for areas like south Denton, free of charge. Founder Jessica Nordon says they are as prepared as possible.

“I’m not sure how bad it's going to be but we have restocked all of our period cabinets in the area, we have our eleventh period cabinet in Denton Texas, and in a cooler that’s chained to a tree," Nordon said. "Those go so fast sometimes I’m going there once a week to refill it.”

The menstrual product industry generates millions annually, yet fair access to these products remains a challenge in some communities.

To locate the closest donation bin to you or to make an online donation visit chhaupadi.org.

— Solomon Wilson, Marjorie Welch Fitts Louis Fellow

SMU energy expert says power grid is in better shape, but some North Texans could lose power — Feb. 2, 1:22 p.m.

As North Texas braces for this week’s winter storm, one energy expert said it’s possible some residents could still lose power.

Bruce Bullock, director of SMU’s Maguire Energy Institute, said he’s confident that power generators will stay online.

He said the state’s power grid is in better shape with updates made by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, but has doubts about natural gas suppliers, which power many of the generators across the state.

“They're a little bit further behind in their efforts to get this done,” said Bullock.

Bullock said power companies like ONCOR have crews ready to route power for any potential outages, but cautions that the power grid may experience problems if the cold snap lasts longer than expected.

“I don't expect to see [something like] what happened in February 2021. All that being said, it would not surprise me, especially if we have ice, that we don't have some sporadic outages,” said Bullock.

— Pablo Arauz Peña, Breaking News Reporter

North Texas arts groups announce closures — Feb. 2, 1:18 p.m.

A number of local arts institutions have decided to close Thursday due to the weather. The Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Irving Arts Center are closed Feb. 3.

In Fort Worth, the Modern Art Museum and the Botanic Garden are also closed tomorrow. The Modern plans to reopen Saturday at 10 a.m. Stage West Theatre has postponed the Thursday premiere of a new play, “On the Exhale.”

Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Immersive Frida Kahlo show will open tomorrow at Lighthouse Artspace Dallas as originally scheduled.

— Miguel Perez, Arts Reporter

Winter Storm Warning Issued — Feb. 2, 1:08 p.m.

Residents across North Texas are bracing for the first winter storm of 2022, with memories of 2021's fatal February storm still fresh and some effects ongoing.

A winter storm warning is set to go into effect at 6 p.m. Wednesday, as temperatures are expected to drop to the low 20s overnight and will remain in the teens and 20s throughout Thursday and Friday. Snow and sleet accumulations up to 3 inches are possible, as well as wind gusts up to 35 mph.

Officials say traveling will be dangerous, as conditions will impact the tail of Wednesday evening commute and Thursday morning and evening commute. Power outages and tree damage will be possible due to ice.

We will update this live blog with the latest weather news throughout the weather event. Check back often.

— Michael Ludgood, Audience Producer

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