Ongoing severe weather updates

12:00 a.m.: Cumby VFD reports clearing downed trees

7:30 a.m.: Hopkins/ Rains residents report U.S. 69 and FM 515 are “getting a little slick,” especially bridges on those roads, and “don’t drive if you don’t have to”

8:00 a.m.– Rockwall Police Department reports Interstate-30 has some ice/ snow. “Much of our precipitation at the moment continues to be freezing rain and sleet, but that is expected to transition to snow sometime today. If you must get out, please lower your speed, give greater distance between the car in front of you, and brake over larger distances when coming to a stop.”

8:11 a.m.: Cumby residents report CR 4732 West of 275, the roadway is open.

8:57 a.m.– Farmers Electric Co-Op reports 373 outages in Hopkins County. Most are centered around Cumby, Sulphur Bluff and North Hopkins, some report power out near Lake Sulphur Springs. No estimated time for power to come back on.

9:01 a.m.– Rains County Emergency Management reports to stay off the roads because they are “getting worse by the minute.”

9:05 a.m.– North Hopkins ISD reports that homecoming is postponed to 2-9-2022. More details to come later this week.

9:22 a.m.– Hunt County Theft Reports states I-30 Westbound at mile marker 108 has an 18-wheeler jack-knifed in the middle of the interstate. Road is closed at this time in that area.

11 a.m.- Estimated 851 customers without power (ONCOR & Farmer’s Electric Co-Op) as of 11 a.m. Most are on the West side of the County, although reports of power out all over.

North Texas Weather Center reports 22,000 without power in all North Texas. Numbers will climb steeply overnight, they say. Make sure to be prepared for power outages to continue or worsen.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A POWER OUTAGE

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
• Use a generator, but ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
• Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
• Have alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or using power-dependent medical devices.
• Check with local officials about heating and locations open near you.
• Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank.
• Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
• Have enough nonperishable food and water. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours.
• Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning!!

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