Updated: Extreme cold forecasted for Georgetown Jan. 14-17
Temperatures are forecasted to dip below freezing for an extended amount of time early next week in Georgetown, according to the National Weather Service.
Beginning Sunday, Jan. 14, through Wednesday, Jan. 17, low temperatures are expected to be below freezing overnight with windchills near zero degrees. There is a slight chance for light freezing precipitation in the forecast.
Due to continued freezing temperatures, very high demand, and unseasonably low wind, ERCOT is asking Texans to conserve electricity use, if safe to do so, Monday, Jan. 15, from 6 – 10 a.m. CT. ERCOT is expecting similar conditions on Tuesday, Jan. 16, and will continue to closely monitor conditions and keep the public informed through their communication channels. See more at https://www.facebook.com/ERCOTISO.
In preparation for the extreme cold, the City will close park restrooms and turn off water fountains to prevent damage to plumbing fixtures, as well as weatherizing the animal shelter and altering daily care of dogs to reduce time outside. The shelter is looking for fosters. If you are interested, please call 512-930-3592 or email animalsvc@georgetown.org.
Crews will also pretreat elevated roadways and bridges, and the City will continue to monitor the forecast and make changes as necessary.
Due to the forecast for cold and wintry weather, Garey Park, 6450 RM 2243, will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15.
Texas Department of Emergency Management is providing updates on state-level preparedness and response for the January winter weather.
Protect people, pets, pipes, and plants
Here are ways to protect people, pipes, pets, and plants when temperatures dip below freezing in Central Texas.
People, especially children and the elderly, need protection from the cold. Dress in layers and wear a hat that covers your ears to retain body heat. Also protect your extremities with warm socks and gloves.
Pets, such as cats and dogs, need access to shelter to protect them from cool temperatures and winds, and an unfrozen water source. Bring all pets inside and provide plenty of blankets for warmth. Once it is above freezing again, pets can be left outside if you provide a dry, draft-free shelter just large enough for them to lay down and protected from wind and rain. Outdoor pets may also need additional caloric intake to help them maintain their body heat.
Pipes can freeze and burst in lower temperatures. Be sure to protect outdoor water spigots with faucet covers and use foam pipe insulation on outdoor pipes. Above-ground irrigation backflow devices can also freeze, so remember to wrap or insulate them, and turn off backflow water valves and irrigation system controllers to reduce the freeze potential.
There is a risk for damage to exposed pipes during this hard freeze, especially across Central Texas. When water freezes, it expands and can burst the pipe. To protect your indoor pipes, open cabinet doors and eliminate drafts where water supply lines are located in unheated areas.
In the event of frozen pipes, it’s recommended that you turn off your water at the main shut-off valve to prevent additional damage when the pipes unfreeze. Learn how to find and operate your main shut-off valve here.
Plants in containers are more susceptible to freezing temperatures because they lack the insulation the earth naturally provides. Move container plants inside or put them on the south side of the house, water them and pile on mulch, leaves and hay to protect the roots, and/or cover them with a frost blanket.
Check out these cold weather preparedness tips from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Weather updates
- Sign up with Warn Central Texas to receive emergency weather updates.
- Weather maps and current forecasts can be found on the Austin/San Antonio National Weather Service.
Check road conditions
- ATX Floods Interactive Map
- DriveTexas Interactive Drive Conditions Map
- Williamson County Weather Monitoring Map
Local electric/water outages
City of Georgetown electric customers can report electric outages and receive real-time updates via text message to and from 512-930-8400.
Electric customers who do not have phones capable of receiving text messages may still report outages not reflected on the online outage maps to 512-930-3640, then press 1. The City’s phone system will recognize the number if it’s tied to the utility account.
Customers should still track water and electric outages on the City’s online outage maps and only report outages not already reflected on the maps.
- View outages in the Georgetown Service area.
- Pedernales Electric Cooperative outage information
- Oncor electric outage information
- For additional information on what you can do during an outage, visit the Red Cross Power Outage page.
Solid waste and recycling collection
Texas Disposal Systems plans to continue normal trash and recycling collections next week, including Monday, Jan. 15. Please put trash carts at the curb by 7 a.m. Sign up for service alerts and collection day reminders here.
City Social Media
Follow us on social media for updates on this weather event and other important information.
Other
- Find out how to update your contact information and make sure we can contact you in case of an emergency.
- Learn how to make a family emergency plan.
- Learn more winter preparation tips from Atmos Energy.
