Cold Weather Update

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Updated Friday, Jan. 17, at 5:18 p.m.

Cold weather is expected over the holiday weekend and early next week, with low temperatures in the teens and 20s along with wind chill (at night) in the single digits and teens. Some snow is possible, but minor accumulations are expected at this time.

  • An arctic front will push through Friday night, dropping temperatures to 20 degrees below normal for January.
  • Dangerous cold will begin late Saturday and continue through Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

 

Support for individuals experiencing homelessness

Regular emergency shelters are prepared to serve those in need on cold nights.

For individuals:

  • Presbyterian Night Shelter: 2400 Cypress St.
  • Union Gospel Mission: 1321 E. Lancaster Ave.

For families:

  • The Salvation Army: 1855 E. Lancaster Ave. (Eligible households must include at least one parent and one child.)

Emergency overnight overflow shelter: When weather triggers are met, additional emergency shelter locations will be activated with overflow beds. If beds at Presbyterian Night Shelter or Union Gospel Mission are full, individuals will be relocated to available overflow locations. This plan ensures demand does not exceed capacity.

Daytime resource: True Worth Place, located at 1513 E. Presidio St., serves as the primary daytime resource for adults experiencing homelessness. It operates daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional information on local homeless resources is available on the Directions Home webpage.

 

Fort Worth Stock Show Parade

The Fort Worth Stock Show’s All Western Parade is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, in downtown Fort Worth. Thousands of spectators line the streets of downtown Cowtown to watch this spectacular annual event. Plenty of horses and other livestock can be seen — but no motorized vehicles are allowed.

 

Postponed: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade

Fort Worth’s 40th annual tribute to civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., scheduled for Monday, Jan. 20, has been postponed due to winter weather. The tentative new date for the parade is Monday, Feb. 17.

Learn more. 

 

Protect water pipes and property

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To prevent frozen or burst pipes, Fort Worth Water recommends these steps:

  1. Locate and learn to use the private shut-off valve:
    • Fort Worth Water permits residents to shut off water at the meter in emergencies. Use caution when handling the meter and wires attached to the lid.
  2. Preventive measures:
    • Insulate all outside pipes. Disconnect and cover outdoor faucets.
    • Insulate pipes in unheated areas (crawl spaces, attics, under cabinets).
    • Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
    •  Turn off and drain irrigation systems to prevent ice on walkways and burst pipes.
    • Commercial buildings with fire sprinklers should keep heat on overnight and on weekends during subfreezing temperatures.
    • Ensure all household members know the main water shut-off valve location and test it to confirm it works.
    • Store extra water in case of a service disruption due to frozen pipes or main breaks.

In case of frozen pipes: Call a plumber to thaw frozen pipes safely. Avoid using electrical appliances to heat pipes, as this can cause them to burst and pose electrocution risks.

Reporting water main breaks: Report running water or damaged pavement immediately by calling 817-392-4477 or use the MyFW app.

Fort Worth Water displays real-time water outages, main breaks and leak information year-round. You can turn layers on and off to view the various information. Visithttps://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/water/water-alertsto check your area.

 

Road conditions  

The Transportation and Public Works (TPW) Department is planning the following and will adapt as the weather changes:

  • Friday, Jan. 17: Brine roads at hospitals and ER entrances.
  • Monday, Jan. 20 into Tuesday, Jan. 21 morning: Sanding preperations on roads.

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Preparing for cold weather if you have pets  

With temperatures expected to drop this weekend, Fort Worth Animal Care & Control (FWACC) offers this cold-weather checklist to help keep furry family members safe: 

  • Bring ALL pets inside when it’s below 20 degrees. 

  • For puppies, kittens and shorthaired pets, bring them inside when it's below 35 degrees. Use coats, sweaters or indoor training pads. If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them! 

  • Groom longhaired pets to maintain warmth; avoid heavy matting, which hinders insulation. 

  • Provide shelter for outside pets that’s elevated off the ground with three enclosed sides and ample bedding. 

  • Choose a snug pet house for better heat retention; larger spaces lose heat quickly. 

  • Ensure access to fresh water using heated bowls to prevent freezing, as dehydration can lead to kidney failure. 

  • Wipe paws exposed to melted ice to prevent blistering and ingestion of harmful chemicals; keep an eye out for signs of discomfort. 

  • Keep cats indoors during extreme cold and check for them hiding under car hoods. 

  • Leash dogs in cold weather to prevent accidents like falling through ice; ensure they wear ID tags. 

  • Pets should NEVER be left alone in vehicles. Leaving a pet in a vehicle is dangerous and in cold weather it increases the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning or hypothermia. 

  • Older pets may suffer more from arthritis during these months. Outdoor exposure should be limited during extreme weather. 

  • Monitor pets around heat sources to prevent burns. 

  • Antifreeze is poisonous to pets so watch for spills. Dilute with water, sweep away and cover with soil to prevent licking. If you suspect your pet has consumed any antifreeze at all, contact a veterinarian immediately. 

Find more protective tips on the American Veterinary Medical Association webpage.

To report animals in distress, call 817-392-1234, email the Call Center or report the incident through the MyFW app. 

Report any weather-related issues on the MyFW app 

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As winter weather approaches the City of Fort Worth, know that you can report any emergency issues directly on the MyFW app. Simply download the app and report any emergencies you encounter. 

What else can you do? Visit Customer Care – Welcome to the City of Fort Worth to report any emergency issues just like you do on the app. The CIty's field operations will handle your request as soon as possible. 

The MyFW app has also added Emergency Categories to facilitate the top emergency requests during weather events. Emergency Service Requests include:

  • Clogged Inlet/Storm Drain Emergency

  • No Water Service Emergency

  • Street Blocked/Hazard Emergency

  • Street Light - Emergency

  • Traffic Sign Issue (Emergency)

  • Tree Traffic Visibility Hazard Emergency

  • Water Leaks/Mainbreak Emergency

Please also note that the most up-to-date information is also on the main page of the app. The City of Fort Worth is adding all updates to this page and also alerting residents on the City’s social media pages.

To contact the City:

  • Check out 311

  • 311 Fort Worth Contact Center: 817-392-1234

  • Text HELLO to 817-835-MYFW (6939)

  • Police: 817-392-4222

  • Fire: 817-392-3000

  • Ambulance: 817-927-9620

  • Water Call Center:  817-392-4477

 

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