BEAUMONT, Texas – From the Texas Department of Transportation to the county leaders, everyone is on alert for this winter weather. At least one county plans to open shelters in case people lose power.
Just like a summer hurricane, a winter storm requires cooperation from local and state authorities. Executives want you to know this is already happening.
Some of the coldest weather in years should arrive Monday and Tuesday.
“I like the cold to a point, that freeze in the snow that I’m not excited about,” said Lyrique Redeau, Beaumont resident.
With the possibility of freezing rain, sleet, and ice in the forecast, Redeau plans to stay home as much as possible.
“I just hate that the roads get iced over. It’s dangerous because people don’t know how to drive in the rain, so ice is much worse. I don’t drive in ice. I don’t like to drive in thunderstorms, neither is it, “said Redeau.
District managers complete emergency plans.
“We’re not panicking, I think that’s a good thing,” said Mike White.
Jefferson County’s emergency management coordinator says his plan is to monitor conditions and educate the public on how to stay safe.
“An inch of ice would be a lot. If we had an inch, I would recommend not being on the road when you don’t have to. For safety reasons, people should stay and not travel. That is the biggest message that is right. ” there, “said White.
Orange County takes a different approach.
“Our road and bridge teams are prepared to put sand on the bridges. It should need something like that,” said Joel Ardion.
Ardion, the emergency management coordinator, says they are also looking into opening three shelters.
And the district’s vaccination centers will be closed on Monday.
“It could be life-threatening for people who could be exposed to the elements. So if things keep going in that direction and we get to that point, we’d get these up,” White said.
