City officials and staff has received several inquiries regarding the upcoming winter storm. To address these concerns, staff compiled this list of frequently asked questions in relation to this topic:
Hearing that hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s are out of plumbing supplies. Is that true?
Yes. As of today, Feb. 13, Missouri City Lowe’s and Home Depot are out of plumping insulation supplies. Residents may use old towels and plastic bags as insulation substitutes and secure it with duct tape.
Gasoline was a problem during Hurricane Ike in Missouri City. The former Mayor had to get that store opened. Are you anticipating any issues with trucks getting in town for gasoline?
As of now, gas stations are expecting trucks and are not anticipating any issues. But we will closely monitor this and address it accordingly if needed.
Does food stores like HEB, Kroger, Walmart will have enough food and supplies coming in?
Similar to gasoline, as of now stores does not have supply shortages. But we will closely monitor this issue as well as the severe weather approaches.
Are schools closed?
Fort Bend ISD and Houston ISD campuses and facilities will be closed on Monday, Feb. 15 and Tuesday, Feb. 16.
Are COVID-19 vaccination sites open?
All COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites are closed on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16
Will the Animal Shelter be open next week?
Yes. The fur animals are important, so the shelter will be open regular hours.
Is trash service cancelled due to inclement weather?
As of today, Feb. 13, the Municipal Solid Waste provider WCA Waste Corp. has not issued any cancellations for services. For additional updates, please call their customer service at 281.403.5800.
Today is my trash collection day. Will I receive service?
Due to hazardous weather and road conditions, WCA Waste Corp. has suspended Municipal Solid Waste pickup services for today (Monday, Feb. 15). WCA officials will continue to monitor forecasts and provide service updates as they become available.
We have lost power. What can we do to stay warm?
There are widespread power outages reported in the area. Fort Bend County Judge KP George said about 25 percent of customers are now without power, while 600,000 Houston residents have lost power. Here are some tips to keep warm when the power is out:
- Close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat.
- Close off rooms to avoid wasting heat.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
- Eat and drink. Food provides energy to warm the body. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Stuff towels or rags in cracks under the doors.
- If you have a fireplace that doesn’t need electricity to operate, use it.
What winter storm warnings are in effect, and what do they mean?
We are still under a Hard Freeze Warning until noon tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb. 16), which means sub-freezing temperatures are expected and could damage unprotected outdoor plumbing, kill crops and other sensitive vegetation. We are also under a Wind Chill Warning until noon tomorrow: Very cold air and strong winds will create dangerously low wind chill values. This will result in frost bite and lead to hypothermia. Avoid being outside, if possible.
I’m off today and need to run a few errands. Is it okay to drive?
Many area roads are covered with ice and snow. Also, power outages mean some traffic signals are not working. Therefore, City officials recommend that you stay at home. Due to hazardous conditions, officials also report several road closures in the Missouri City area: Missouri City officials said the following roads are closed: Brazos River Bridge (FM 723), Arredondo Bridge, I-69 NB from Hwy 36 to FM 762, I-69 SB from Reading Rd. to Cottonwood Church Rd. To see all Missouri City road closures: http://bit.ly/3tXGffN
For more information about Missouri City, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter and Instagram—@MissouriCityTX, and watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse).