City outlines plans for upcoming inclement weather

KILLEEN, Texas (Jan. 7, 2025) - The City of Killeen is updating the public on its preparations for impending inclement weather on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 9 and Jan. 10.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, the Transportation Division of the Department of Public Works will be closing the W.S. Young Bridge at 5:30p.m. from 2201 South W.S. Young Drive to the intersection of Atkinson Avenue. The roadway will remain closed until all winter weather emergencies have cleared. There will be traffic control devices in place to guide motor vehicles around the closure and motorists are encouraged to use an alternate route.

Below-freezing temperatures are expected overnight all week, with increasing changes for a wintry mix, freezing rain, sleet and/or snow possible in our area.

The Texas Department of Transportation has been treating roadways and the City's Transportation division has prepared sand spreaders and equipment needed in case of icing. Crews have also delivered bags of salt to all Fire and Police stations, as well as City Hall.

Solid Waste crews will still be servicing trash collection routes, but there may be delays due to the inclement weather on Jan. 9 and 10.

Public Works will have personnel on call for after hours events, if needed.

For Transportation after hours emergencies, citizens may call (254) 285-8723

For Water and Sewer after hours emergencies, citizens may call (254) 501-6319/6320.

As a reminder, the City of Killeen has partnered with the Friends in Crisis shelter to provide an enhanced overnight warming center at 412 East Sprott Street. The center has been open each night since Sunday from 8p.m. until 11a.m. the following day. In addition, the center will have extended hours during the height of the weather event and remain open from 8p.m. Wednesday - 11a.m. Friday.

As a reminder, City of Killeen buildings are always open to the public and available for warming (and cooling off) during each facility's normal business hours. Those buildings include City Hall, libraries, the Recreation Center, Police Headquarters, etc. The city requires all community members and visitors at our public facilities to adhere to a code of conduct.

Citizens who would like to donate water, can drop it off at any Killeen Fire Station, as well as the North Precinct Police Station in downtown (402 North 2nd Street) and let them know it is for the cooling/warming centers. City Staff will work to distribute those donations.

For any non-water donations, please call the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management first to see what is needed at (254) 501-7706.

The City of Killeen's policy is to open a warming center if the temperature or wind chill factor is forecasted to fall below 32 degrees . After checking with the National Weather Service, the decision is made as early as possible, and no later than 3p.m. on the day an overnight center would be opened.

There is a video and information sheet located on the City's website at www.KilleenTexas.gov/Water to assist with cold weather preparations related to backflow devices, protecting pipes, etc. Citizens are encouraged to watch, read and share.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNAjod2sZKE

As a reminder, City offices are closed on Thursday, Jan. 9 in observance of President Joe Biden's National Day of Mourning announcement for the late President Jimmy Carter's funeral. Emergency services will operate without interruption and trash collection services will operate as normal, but may be delayed due to winter weather.

Stay up to date on our website, www.KilleenTexas.gov , social media platforms ( www.Facebook.com/KilleenTexas , www.Instagram.com/CityOfKilleen , www.Twitter.com/CityOfKilleen ) and by signing up for city alerts at www.killeentexas.gov/alertcenter . Receive additional updates for emergency information by signing up for the City's Emergency CODERED system at www.KilleenTexas.gov/ohsem .

All Texas residents can also check the Texas Department of Emergency Management webpage at https://tdem.texas.gov/warm for daily information on where a warming or cooling center is located anywhere in the state. It is updated daily.