Preps for extreme temperature change

AUSTIN (KXAN) - People are urged to protect people, pets, pipes and plants as the coldest weather of the winter season heads to Central Texas this week.

Weather forecasters expect a strong arctic front to reach Central Texas just before daybreak on Tuesday.

Low temperatures on Wednesday are expected in the middle teens across the Hill Country, the upper teens across Central Texas and 20s in the coastal plains.

Forecasters say there is a chance for snow flurries late Thursday into Friday in Central and South Texas.

Certainly a far different picture from the weather experienced over the weekend. On Monday, people hit the hike and bike trail in shorts, t-shirts and even shirtless. The extreme shift in temperatures may catch some off guard but others prepared for it Monday.

Hundreds of runners, like Jeremy Smith, took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather because they know it's about to change.

"I've lived in Texas my whole life and it's always been hot one day cold the next day," said Smith.

Juan Garcia and Samantha Medina hit the trail too Monday -- knowing it's their last chance to run comfortably for several days.

"Stay warm inside. It's too hard to run in the cold," said Medina.

"I'll be inside keeping warm or stay inside the gym," said Garcia.

At Work Clothes and More in South Austin there was a steady stream of customers Monday.

"We've had quite a few city employees. People who work for Coca Cola just all sorts of guys have been in looking for something to keep them warm," said owner James Gatewood.

Hats, jackets, gloves--even coveralls were popular purchases.

Gatewood said this cold blast has many preparing ahead of time rather than procrastinating.

"The expected weather is just going to be brutal as far as we can tell. Brutal for us Texans," said Gatewood.

 

Here are some tips for what to do during the cold temperatures this week.

Protecting people:

· Check on family members and neighbors who may need assistance

 

Protecting pets:

· Keep pets inside, out of severe cold

· If pets are outside, provide a doghouse with doorway located away from the wind

· Line doghouse with straw or cedar shavings

· Make sure they have access to fresh water and food

· Do not leave antifreeze, coolant or windshield wiper fluid within reach

· Make sure your cat hasn’t crawled under the car hood for warmth

 

Protect outside pipes from freezing:

Caulk around pipes where they enter the house, close foundation vents and use wood or foam blocks to fit vent openings around pipes
Wrap outside faucets or hose bibs in molded foam insulation or layers of old newspapers and cover with plastic to keep out moisture
If you have a separate shut-off valve for outside faucets, turn it off
Drain in-ground sprinkler systems

Protect pipes inside the house

 

Insulate pipes in unheated areas (crawl space, attic, garage or basement)
Open cupboard doors in kitchen and bathrooms
Let faucets drip a little if the temperature dips below freezing
Know how to shut off water valves

Protect plants:

 

· Bring sensitive plants inside

· Protect roots and foliage of plants with mulch, straw, bubble plastic or cloth

· Move potted plants out of the wind