01/21/2026
UPDATE: The Kinney County Nutrition Center on Ann Street will be open Saturday and Sunday, from 10:00 to 6:00 for folks needing a place to get out of the cold. Additional changes/notifications will be posted here in further updates, as necessary.
Original Post:
Another weather heads up for area residents this weekend. Starting Saturday, forecasters say we can expect temperatures to plummet-- possibly as low as the middle 20's or lower.
This is a good moment to take some time to think about your pets, plants, pipes and people.
Working dogs are tough, of course-- but consider their well-being in the face of such a cold snap. Think about bringing them indoors, or into a garage or barn so they can make it through the cold and be in shape to work again when the temperatures rise.
Certain plants may need to be wrapped in plastic, or otherwise covered, so they retain enough heat to make it through the chill. Some plants can be worth serious cash, so think about it before it's too late.
Anyone that's ever had a pipe burst under the house or sink knows-- it's about the least fun ever. Make sure to cover or wrap any faucets or pipes you have outside. Kinney County features a lot of pier and beam construction, which means pipes can also be vulnerable under the house. Consider leaving a slow drip on the kitchen sink, and in the bathrooms, to prevent ice buildup. You might also put lamps and 'trouble lights' under the sink to keep some warmth on the pipes.
Ten minutes of work before this bad weather gets here could save you a massive amount of toil and strife, trying to find already busy plumbers in an emergency.
And, finally, take some time to think about elderly neighbors and others that may need help getting ready too. Some left over pipe-wrapping from your projects, might be just the thing they need as this cold weather approaches.
Forecasters say a strong arctic front is moving into the area mid-to-late day Friday. It'll bring scattered showers, and possibly thunderstorms, with a cold airmass following along behind it. That means a strong possibility of freezing rain.
By Saturday morning, ice accumulations could range from a trace, to one tenth of an inch as a worst-case scenario.
Kinney County emergency officials are monitoring things with their state counterparts at the Texas Department of Emergency Management. We'll try and update this post, as plans and precautions firm up. This may include opening 'warming centers' and shelters in the City of Brackettville, if needed.
