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COLD BLOG: Several Coastal Bend cities ending water boil notices

Posted at 10:50 AM, Feb 11, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-23 13:33:52-05

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The KRIS 6 Weather team is tracking the inclement cold weather approaching.

Go to kristv.com/weather for the latest forecast.

Check on area road closures at kristv.com/traffic

Check on area power outages here.

Check on area water boil notices here.

Submit your weather photos atkristv.com/weatherpics.

2/23 updates:

12:24 p.m.- Rockport has canceled its water boil notice. Rockport along with Fulton, Copano Cove, Copano Heights, and Copano Ridge no longer have to boil their water to consume it.

11:14 a.m. - Beeville has announced its water boil notice has been canceled.

10:53 a.m. - Several Coastal Bend cities have lifted their water boil notices.

George West announced its water boil was lifted Tuesday morning after the city's water was approved by the TCEQ.

And Alice and Woodsboro also have announced their water boil notices have ended.

2/22 updates:

2:32 p.m..- The city of Odem has lifted their water boil notice.

11:20 a.m- Aransas Pass' water boil has been lifted.

11:00 a.m.- Ingleside on the Bay has lifted their water boil notice.

6:50 a.m. - Tuloso-Midway ISD will not be holding classes today.

The district has sent out an alert saying while none of its buildings sustained major damage during last week's big freeze, their internet remains down and requires repairs.

Today will be a teacher work day while the remaining repairs are finished.

Students will return to in-person and remote learning on Tuesday.

6:35 a.m. - Some people across the Coastal Bend remain under water boil notices this morning.

This list includes Aransas Pass, Rockport and Fulton.

The water boil advisories have been lifted in Driscoll, Premont, Portland, Orange Grove, Taft and Sinton.

Corpus Christi had its water boil notice lifted on Saturday.

2/21 updates:

2:06 p.m.- The cities of Taft, Sinton, and Ricardo have lifted their water boils. Residents no longer have to boil water to consume it safely.

2/20 updates:

2:45 p.m.- A water distribution will be held on Feb. 21 at Odem High School. More details HERE.

1:48 p.m.- Orange Grove and Driscoll have lifted their water boils.

1:00 p.m.- The Nueces County Water Control and Improvement District #3 has lifted their water boil as of February 20, 2021. This includes the city of Robstown.

12:00 p.m.- The city of Portland has rescinded their water boil.

9:00 a.m.- The city if Corpus Christi has lifted their water boil notice. This includes Calallen, Flour Bluff, and Padre Island. More info here.

The Mayor of Premont tells KRIS 6 News that their water boil has been lifted.

2/19 updates:

5:55 p.m. - The City of Corpus Christi will be providing emergency water utility bill relief to help its customers who have been impacted by water line breaks caused by this week’s extreme weather event. Information and details for the City’s emergency water utility bill relief program will be provided the week of February 22. Currently, the City is focused on continuing its progress in stabilizing the water utility systems and advancing to rescind the City’s water boil order.

2:01 p.m. - Corpus Christi has received 13,000 cases of bottled water.

The Corpus Christi Police Department has announced the five water distribution centers.

The sites will be open today at 3 p.m. and close at 7 p.m..

Here are the locations:

  • Hilltop Senior Center, 11425 Leopard Street
  • Health Department, 1702 Horne Road
  • Natatorium, 3202 Cabaniss Road
  • Ethel Eyerly Senior Center, 654 Graham Road
  • Bill Witt Park, 6869 Yorktown Boulevard

"Be sure to follow the officers direction and signage to ensure a quick and safe operation." says a CCPD blotter post.

hilltop-center-map.jpg
District 1 – Hilltop Senior Center, 11425 Leopard Street
health-department-map.jpg
District 2 – Health Department, 1702 Horne Road
natatorium-map.jpg
District 3 – Natatorium, 3202 Cabaniss Road
ethely-senior-center-map.jpg
District 4 – Ethel Eyerly Senior Center, 654 Graham Road
bill-witt-map.jpg
District 5 – Bill Witt Park, 6869 Yorktown Boulevard

11:35 a.m. - Mathis city crews have located a leak at Rockport and Perez streets in the city.

Water service will be shut down down to isolate the line for repairs.

The estimated time for the water to be out is one to two hours for repairs and the service will be restored when repairs are completed.

The cut off time will be extended today from 1 p.m., Mathis officials said.

11:30 a.m. - CCISD will provide a snackbag giveaway from noon to 3 pm today at Carroll, Ray and Miller high schools.

The food is being provided by community in schools.

It will be first-come, first-serve for CCISD families who are in need.

11:19 a.m. - The city will be distributing water at five locations across the city later today.

The distribution will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. today with a limit of one case per family.

Here are the locations:

  • District 1: Hilltop Community Center 11425 Leopard St.
  • District 2: Health District 1702 Horne Rd.
  • District 3: Corpus Christi Natatorium 3202 Cabaniss Pkwy.
  • District 4: Ethel Eyerly Senior Center 654 Graham Rd.
  • District 5: Bill Witt City Park 6869 Yorktown Blvd.

The city has secured more than 13,000 cases for distribution to residents later today.

8:30 a.m. - Gregory-Portland ISD will provide meals for children 18 and younger from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at T.M. Clark Elementary School and Stephen F. Austin Elementary.

In order to receive food, you must have children in the vehicle or provide either a student report card, a student ID, student ID card or birth certificate.
And the Food Bank of the Coastal Bend will provide free food at Gregory-Portland Middle School on Saturday. The parking lot will open at 8 a.m. and distribution begins at 9 a.m.

There will be one entrance at Ray Akins Wildcat Stadium side of the parking lot. There will be no parking or blocking traffic along Wildcat Drive.

GP food drive
Coastal Bend Food Bank will provide emergency food at 9 a.m. Saturday at Gregory-Portland Middle School parking lot.

6:50 a.m. - Most city offices will open on Friday, including City Hall, Municipal Court and Developmental Services.

Here is their complete list:

Public Libraries: All public libraries are open. La Retama Central Library also will continue with warming center hours Friday, February 19, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday, February 20, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Utility Billing Office: Located at City Hall, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Solid Waste Services: Thursday, Friday garbage & recycling will be collected on the as per the regular schedule. Monday & Tuesday garbage & recycling will be collected next week.

Open: Cefe Valenzuela Landfill, FM 2444 & County Road 20

Open: J.C. Elliott Collection Center and Transfer Station located at Hwy 286 and Ayers Street.

Al Kruse Tennis Center- Regular Hours 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

H-E-B Tennis Center- 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Golf CoursesMunicipal Golf Centers: Lozano– Open delayed start 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Oso- Open delayed start 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.

*Both golf courses will be open regular hours starting Saturday.

Public Pools (Collier and Corpus Christi Natatorium) – Closed the rest of the week.

Gymnasiums (Ben Garza and CC Gym) – Closed the rest of the week.

Senior Centers & Curbside meals program – Customers registered for curbside pickup will receive frozen meals the rest of the week.

Home Delivered Meals – Meals on Wheels customers have meals for the remainder of the week.

Safe Fun Fit at the Bayfront: Cancelled Saturday, February 20 and will resume Saturday, February 27.

Sweetheart Trunk or Treat at Salinas Park scheduled for this Saturday, February 20 has been cancelled.

Spring Break Family Fun Kit Distribution is scheduled for Saturday, March 6, at the Lindale Senior Center. Please visit ccparkandrec.com for event details.

The Emergency Operations Center remains activated because of the ongoing inclement winter weather, power outages and a water boil notice.

The City’s Customer Call Center has extended its operation to 24 hours a day. Residents can call 361-826-CITY (2489).

6:30 a.m. - Gregory-Portland ISD will provide meals for children 18 and younger from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at T.M. Clark Elementary School and Stephen F. Austin Elementary.

In order to receive food, you must have children in the vehicle or provide either a student report card, a student ID, student ID card or birth certificate.

And the Food Bank of the Coastal Bend will provide free food at Gregory-Portland Middle School on Saturday. The parking lot will open at 8 a.m. and distribution begins at 9 a.m.

There will be one entrance at Ray Akins Wildcat Stadium side of the parking lot. There will be no parking or blocking traffic along Wildcat Drive.

GP food drive
Coastal Bend Food Bank will provide emergency food at 9 a.m. Saturday at Gregory-Portland Middle School parking lot.

6:02 a.m. - The Beeville Independent School District will be distributing for the entire Beeville community, and not just students.

It will happene from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at Fadden-McKeown-Chambliss Elementary School, 100 T.J. Pfeil Lane.

5:51 a.m. - The Corpus Christi Regional Transit Authority has resumed bus services, but on a reduced schedule for many of its routes.

Officials say they will run a similar schedule on Saturday.

Buses will run from 6 a.m. to approximately 8 p.m.

2/18 updates:

4:48 p.m. - According to the National Weather Service, the Corpus Christi area will experience several hours of at or below freezing temperatures tonight and into Friday morning. Citizens need to prepare. For more information, click here.

3:21 p.m. - The city of Alice said in a statement on Thursday that it expects to begin the process of getting water into the distribution system at 6 p.m. They do caution that the process can be a lengthy one, and there could be residents who don't have running water for up to 48 hours. The city also remains under a water-boil notice.

2:36 p.m. - The Jim Wells County Courthouse will remain closed on Friday under orders from county judge Juan Rodriguez.

12:33 p.m. - The City of Corpus Christi will begin delivering water to some seniors later today.

The delivery will be made to those enrolled in the curbside meal pickup and Meals on Wheels program.

11:43 a.m. - The city of Portland is conducting a free water giveway while supplies last.

The distribution is taking place at the city's community center parking lot at 2000 Billy G. Webb Drive. Supplies are limited, and were donated by Voestalpine.

10:28 a.m. - Skidmore-Tynan ISD has canceled classes for Friday.

Skidmore-Tynan director of operations Steve Batchelor says classes will resume on Monday.

10:12 a.m. - Mayor Paulette Guajardo reports this morning that approximately 17,000 AEP customers in Corpus Christi still do not have power.

Guajardo said on her personal Facebook page that "AEP was given the green light by ERCOT for FULL POWER RESTORATION. We do not know when everyone will have their power restored."

"Progress is being made to restore our power by AEP Texas. Since yesterday, AEP has reduced by 62% customer accounts without power. As we receive more information from AEP I will share it with residents."

And City Manager Peter Zanoni adds that "progress is being made by AEP Texas."

8:55 a.m. - Classes at Texas A&M-Kingsville will remain remote through the rest of the week.

Residence halls, dining rooms on campus and the library remain open.

WEATHER UPDATES FROM THE LAST WEEK

2/17 updates:
9:52 p.m. - Much of the Coastal Bend, including Bee, Kleberg, Nueces, Aransas, San Patricio, Refugio, Duval, Live Oak and Jim Wells counties, are under a wind chill advisory and a freeze warning.

2/15 updates

8:08 p.m. - Due to the ongoing inclement weather conditions and power outages across the city, tomorrow’s regularly scheduled City Council meeting has been postponed until further notice.

9:48 a.m. - Watch continuous live coverage of our weather throughout the Big Chill 2021 on the KRIS 6 app and also by watching here.
Our team of meteorologists will provide up-to-date coverage throughout the cold snap.

6:50 a.m. - The National Weather Service in Corpus Christi released a special 06Z weather balloon which it hopes will provide data on the blustery cold and precipitation across the Coastal Bend.

2/12 updates

6:20 p.m. - Severe cold weather is expected over the next several days in the Coastal Bend region. The cold weather may cause electric disruptions throughout the city. AEP crews are monitoring the situation. Read more, click here.

3:56 p.m. - Winter Storm, Freeze and Wind Chill watches have been issued for Aransas, Nueces, San Patricio, Refugio, Bee, Duval, Jim Wells and Live Oak counties, as well as a small craft advisory from Bafffin Bay to Port Aransas and from Port Aransas to the Matagorda Ship Channel.

SERVICES UPDATES FROM THE LAST WEEK

2/17

9:46 p.m. - Portland will be shutting off water at 10:30 p.m. and turn it back on at 5 a.m. in order to allow reserves to refill. City manager Randy Wright said crews have found more than 30 high-volume leaks in the utility system's water pipes due to the freeze. Full pressure should be restored by 5:30 a.m. The city also is still under a water boil.

9:44 p.m. - City of Corpus Christi offices will remain closed Thursday, including city hall, municipal court, development services, Oso Municipal golf course, pools and gymnasiums and libraries and senior centers not being used as warming centers. The Public health district also will be closed.

First responders, Animal Care Services and solid waste services will be working, the Corpus Christi International Airport will be open. Landfills will be open, as well as city tennis centers and Lozano municipal golf course.

9:15 p.m. - Corpus Christi city crews will begin tests throughout the city Wednesday night in order to find the water main break causing low water pressure. The city warns that this may temporarily disrupt water service in those areas, but did not say which parts of town the testing will be in.

6:04 p.m. - The city of Ingleside says its Senior Center is open all night for anyone who would like a warm place to stay. You are asked to bring your own blankets and you will need to wear a mask. The center is located at 2850 Main Street in Ingleside. If you need more information just call the Communications Center at (361) 776-2531.

4:15 p.m.- According to TxDOT's Rickey Dailey, the Harbor Bridge is now open.

2:37 p.m.- Flour Bluff water will go off at 3 p.m. as the city of Corpus Christi isolates three water mains to find the main break. Following a full on-site assessment by city crews, water will be restored. Expect restoration three to four hours after crews begin their investigation.

1:20 p.m. - According to Janine Reyes, the City of Kingsville has free potable water available at South Gate Mall located at 2331 Brahma Blvd.

potable-water-for-kingsville

Citizens must bring their own bucket or jug to fill.
Reyes assures the public that the water is safe and does not need to be boiled before use.

11:49 a.m.- According to TxDOT, the SPID, Crosstown, and IH-37 are now open to motorists. The Harbor Bridge is still closed.

U.S. Highway 181 has been reopened by officers, allowing drivers to go from the Fulton Corridor to the Nueces Causeway into Portland.
TxDOT spokesman Rickey Dailey said Tx-DOT has not opened the Harbor Bridge because of ice in dangerous positions in the upper structure of the bridge.
TXDOT will open the Harbor Bridge when it is safe, Dailey said.

11:31 a.m. - The city of Alice has enacted a water boil due to low water pressure.

11:28 a.m. - Port of Corpus Christi officials officials have confirmed the Joe Fulton Corridor is open for motorists.
Officials report the Nueces Bay Causeway still is closed.

11 a.m.- Sinton and Taft are now under water boil notices until further notice.

10:26 a.m.- Residents on Padre Island will lose water service due to low pressure in the city's water distribution system. The city of Corpus Christi says recovery of water services to customers can be anticipated to take 16-24 hours.

6:40 a.m. - Water has been temporarily turned off in Portland this morning.
The city posted on its Facebook page it has been losing water for several hours and needs time to replenish its storage tanks.
The city says it expects to have the water back on by late morning.
And at that time, a water boil order will go in effect.

5:10 a.m. - The Texas Department of Transportation is closing many roads this morning because of the weather conditions.

TxDOT is shutting down U.S. Highway 181 to Portland, the Joe Fulton Corridor, State Highway 286 and South Padre Island Drive.

The Harbor Bridge remains closed as well.

The JFK Causeway remains open.

TxDOT says it has crews monitoring and treating the roads and urges drivers to stay off them if at all possible.

2/16

9:45 p.m. - ERCOT has directed AEP Texas and other utilities throughout the state to reduce additional load on the electrical grid again this evening. Please prepare for more power outages, and for current power outages to continue. AEP Texas crews and employees are ready to begin full restoration of electric service as soon as power is available.

8 p.m. - Rockport Fulton issues water boil notice.

7:14 p.m. - The City of Corpus Christi’s water distribution system is being impacted from a major water main break that is leading to low water pressure or no water service to customers. Effective immediately, this pertains to all of Corpus Christi water customers, including those on Padre Island. Prolonged loss of power throughout the city continues to further complicate identification, repair, and restoration of the broken water main.

6:30 p.m.- The Water Department in Aransas Pass will be shutting off all water service at 9 p.m. until Wednesday morning.

5:34 p.m.- Bee County's Office of Emergency Management has issued a water boil notice for Bee County until further notice.

5:16 p.m.- According to the mayor of Premont, the city of Premont issues a water boil advisory. The city manager of Orange Grove also announced a water boil for the city. Both will be ongoing until further notice.

5:07 p.m. - Sunrise co-anchor Paul Mueller did a Facebook Q&A with Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni using questions you've been asking us over the last few days.

4:40 p.m.- CCRTA announced they will suspend all services until Thursday, pending external conditions. "We will continue to monitor area power outages and water supplies as they affect traffic and system operations," they said in a release.
4:15 p.m.- The City of Portland has opened a "warming shelter" at the Community Center located at 2000 Billy G. Webb Dr. Portland, Texas. They as that you enter the Community Center through the side entrance across from the Joe Burke Pavilion.

3:49 p.m. - H-E-B will still have limited hours, generally from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Coastal Bend. See the list here.

2:15 p.m.- Water Boil Notices
Here’s a list of cities with active water boils:

  • Ingleside on the Bay
  • Falfurrias
  • City of Corpus Christi (Calallen,Flour Bluff,Cities between Banquete and Agua Dulce)
  • Portion of Kleberg County (Ricardo area residents)
  • Aransas Pass

1 p.m. - Current estimates indicate about 50,000 electrical customers in Nueces County currently are without power.
Paulo Salazar talks with Omar Lopez, AEP's corporate communications manager, for the latest information about returning power across the Coastal Bend.

Interview with Omar Lopez

They discuss how AEP's electrical grid is set, how locations like nursing homes and hospitals receive priority and tips for those how those who currently have power to conserve to help others in need across the area.

11:08 a.m.- The city has announced that their short-term shelter is now full and is not accepting new guests.

5:20 a.m. - Most Corpus Christi city offices will remain closed today. That includes City Hall, public libraries and senior centers.
First responders and animal care services will continue to provide services.
The city's Emergency Operations Center has been activated, allowing some departments to remain in operation.
That includes public works, the police and fire departments, utilities and homeless services.

5:10 a.m. - Odem residents are experiencing a loss of water due to the cold.
Odem Mayor Billy Huerta says the booster that pumps water supply to the city's main water tower has been affected by the power outages caused by the cold weather.
The city is installing a generator to pump the water and they anticipate conditions there will improve once work is complete.

2/15

8:40 p.m. - City officials stated due to a second night of forecast icy road conditions, road and bridge closures and severe cold and inclement weather, the City of Corpus Christi will remain closed along with most City offices. Read more here.

5:04 p.m. - The earliest the Nueces County-Corpus Christi Public Health District can receive its shipment of first-dose vaccines is Wednesday because of the winter storm. Updates on vaccination clinics, which, as of now, could be held this weekend, however these registrations slots have already been assigned.

5 p.m. - The Corpus Christi Regional Transporation Authority is suspending all services Tuesday because of expected bad-weather conditions. All services are currently scheduled to resume normal operations on Wednesday.

4:11 p.m. - The city of Corpus Christi plans to transport people being sheltered from the cold at the American Bank Center to a FEMA center at the Del Mar College West Campus after the ABC lost power earlier today, officials said.

3:25 p.m. - Bee County offices will be closed Tuesday

1:59 p.m. - City officials have learned that power outages across the city will continue until Tuesday morning.
Those currently without power should expect to be without power throughout the evening and into tomorrow morning.
The city will also be providing updated shelter information as soon as it is available.

12:05 p.m. - American Electric Power of Texas says the state’s Electric Reliability Council has directed it to begin temporary power outages to reduce demand on the system. AEP communications director Omar Lopez joined Paulo Salazar to discuss the utility’s work during Big Chill 2021.
Among the questions he will answer include AEP’s rolling shutoff to lessen stress on its grid, weather-related outages and where those repairs are, what’s the best way to report the loss of electricity and what you can do to lessen stress on the electricity system.

AEP's Omar Lopez discusses their work to return power across the Coastal Bend.

6:30 a.m. - City manager Peter Zanoni provides the latest update on how city services will be affected by the brutal cold blast that has swept through the Coastal Bend.

City Manager Peter Zanoni provides the city's update Monday morning

4:30 a.m. - There will be no residential trash collections on Monday, city officials have announced.
Monday routes now will be collected beginning on Tuesday and into Wednesday and possibly Thursday with before and after hour services around regular routes.
Also, the Cefe Valenzuela Landfill, FM 2444 and County Road 20, will be closed.
And the J.C. Elliott Collection Center and Transfer Station, Highway 286 and Ayers Street, also will be closed on Monday.

2/14

9:17 p.m.- The City of Corpus Christi announced that they will close most city offices on Monday, February 15. Here's a list of all the offices and services that will be closed.

  • City Hall
  • Municipal Court
  • Public libraries
  • Corpus Christi International Airport
  • Solid Waste (Cefe Valenzuela Landfill and J.C. Elliott Collection Center and Transfer Station)
  • Health District
  • Al Kruse Tennis Center
  • H-E-B Tennis Center
  • Golf Courses – Municipal Golf Centers (Oso Beach and Lozano)
  • Public Pools (Collier and Corpus Christi Natatorium)
  • Gymnasiums (Ben Garza and CC Gym)
  • Senior Centers & Curbside meals program
  • Home Delivered Meals
  • Valentine Trunk or Treat Drive Thru at Salinas Park
  • Development Services

The city says first responders and animal care services will continue to provide services.
9:02 p.m.- CCRTA is suspending all services until Tuesday at noon.

8:47 p.m.- Corpus Christi's Emergency Operation Center is reporting the Joe Fulton Corridor Ramp from Carbon Plant Road is closed.

8:43 p.m. - AEP is reporting 4,000 power outages in Corpus Christi; 2,500 of those customers without power are in the Calallen/Annaville area.

7:38 p.m.- AEP is reporting power outages across the Coastal Bend. Check the AEP outage map for all reported outages.
According to Nueces County ESD 2- Flour Bluff Fire VFD, the Oso Bridge is icing up and a seven to eight vehicle pile-up is on the Oso Bridge eastbound.

4:57 p.m.- The City of Corpus Christi is activating their Emergency Operations Center at 5:00 p.m. to monitor severe winter weather. Public Works crews are on standby monitoring bridges and overpasses for possible ice. Currently, no roads have been closed.
Stay off roads if possible. If you must go out, stay ice-aware while driving and follow these tips from the EOC team:

  • Plan your route as back roads may be more dangerous than major roadways.
  • Expect delays and plan accordingly.
  • Accelerate and decelerate slowly.

4:37 p.m.- H-E-B has reduced hours on Monday for their Corpus Christi and surrounding area stores due to South Texas' Winter Storm Warning. Hours of operation on Monday will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

4:35 p.m.- City of Portland facilities will be closed Monday, February 15. You can make your utility bill and court payments online at portlandtx.com/355/Make-a-Payment. The deadline for payments has also been extended to Friday, February 19.

3:49 p.m.- Corpus Christi's Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA), will suspend their services starting at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 14. They will remain out of service until 12:00 p.m. Monday, February 15th. Future services may be delayed depending on weather conditions. Visit ccrta.org for the latest updates.

1:06 p.m.- Airlines that serve the Corpus Christi International Airport have pre-emptively canceled flights in anticipation of severe winter weather.
Find out of your flight has been canceled HERE.

1:04 p.m.- The city of Kingsville announced the following:

  • The city and county Administrative Office will be closed Tuesday
  • The Warm Zone hours will be extended until Tuesday
  • The fixed COVID-19 testing site will remain closed until Tuesday
  • Trash Service in the City of Kingsville will continue as scheduled on Tuesday, with possible delays

More information below:

2/13 updates:
4:30 p.m.- H-E-B announced that Corpus Christi and surrounding area stores will have altered hours of operation during South Texas' Winter Storm Warning. On Sunday Feb. 14, the hours of operation will be 6-7 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on Monday Feb. 15, stores will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

3:28 p.m.- The Brooks County and City of Falfurrias Emergency Managment Center announced their temporary shelter/warming center at the Fulfurrias High School gym. The shelter will be opening at 8 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 13.
If you plan on visiting the shelter, check the graphic below before going.

2:25 p.m.- Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid announced an "emergency closing" of all county offices on Tuesday Feb. 16 to due the severe cold weather expected. The "warm zone" at the Human Services Building will also be extended until Tuesday at 3:00 p.m.

2:22 p.m. - The city of Corpus Christi's Customer Call Center is being activated this weekend to take calls from residents during the cold inclement weather. You can call the call center for issues including downed trees, broken waterlines and frozen water pipes.
The weekend operation hours are:
Saturday, February 13
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 14
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The call center's number is 361-826-CITY (2489). Make sure to dial 911 for emergency assistance.
The Customer Call Center’s regular hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

1:30 p.m.- The city of Corpus Christi has partnered with local organizations to open a shelter for the homeless and those in need at the American Bank Center. You can find more information HERE.

12:45 p.m.- Christus Spohn Kleberg originally canceled their Pfizer Second Dose Vaccine Clinic scheduled for Monday Feb 15 due to inclement weather. They moved it to Tuesday Feb 16, but now they have moved it again to Thursday February 18, beginning at 8:00 a.m. This drive-thru clinic will be a combined clinic for people who received their first doses of the Pfizer vaccine on Jan. 25 and Jan. 28.
No registration or appointments are necessary. Just bring your vaccine card for entry.

11:50 a.m.- The city of Corpus Christi is asking residents to report pets left unattended in this cold weather to the Corpus Christi Police Department's non-emergency line at (361) 886-2600.
The city says Patrol Officers and Animal Care Officers will be responding to calls as quickly as possible.

2/11

12:02 p.m. - Cold weather has forced Christus Spohn Kleberg in Kingsville to cancel its COVID-19 vaccine clinic on Monday.
Several people who received their first Pfizer vaccine on January 25 were asked to return to the hospital to receive their second dose on Monday. But due to the inclement weather, Christus Spohn Kleberg has postponed that clinic until Tuesday, February 16.
Those who were scheduled to receive their second dose on Monday can receive their second dose starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

7:15 p.m. - Due to a severe drop in temperatures forecasted this weekend through Tuesday, February 16, the City’s Parks & Recreation Department announces the following closures and changes to programs. For a list of closures, click here.

6:25 p.m. -

"During this severe cold weather the Robstown Police Department is wanting to supply a blanket to any homeless person in need within the city limits.

If you know of anyone needing the blanket to stay warm please call the Robstown Police Department at 361-387-3531 and one of our officers will deliver the blanket within our city limits."
This quote is from the Robstown Police Department.

4:21 p.m. - The City of Kingsville has released guidance for the public on the incoming cold weather expected this weekend.

1:47 p.m. - Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid has announced they will open a "Warm Zone" this weekend.
The warm zone will be open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday for citizens who need temporary shelter during the big freeze.
It will be at the Human Services Building at 1109 East Santa Gertrudis and The American Red Cross will be providing bedding and snacks.
Judge Madrid also says they will work with local sponsors to help provide meals.

1:09 p.m. - The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority has advised that its routes could be affected by disruptions or delays because of upcoming weather conditions.

11 a.m. - City officials held a press conference to update the public on preparation for some severe cold approaching the Coastal Bend. Watch the full press conference here:

SCHOOLS UPDATES FROM THE LAST WEEK

2/17

3:57 p.m.- Odem-Edroy ISD will remain closed for the rest of the week. They will resume classes on Monday. Feb. 22.

2:56 p.m.- Tuloso-Midway ISD will remain closed through the rest of the week, and is canceling all classes, extracurricular activities, athletic practices and games.

2:45 p.m.- Aransas County ISD and Kingsville ISD will cancel classes for the rest of the week. Classes will resume on Monday Feb. 22.

2:37 p.m.- West Oso ISD will cancel classes the rest of the week. They plan to resume classes on Monday Feb. 22.

2:06 p.m.- CCISD has announced they will be closed for the rest of the week.
"We are hopeful this helps our community get back on its feet and provides extra time for our staff and families to recover from the effects of our winter weather.:
They are hoping for classes to resume on Monday, Feb. 22.
Other school districts to similarly cancel classes until Monday include Beeville, Robstown, Aransas Pass and Woodsboro.

1:12 p.m. - Calallen ISD announces more school closures.

"Due to the current status of power and water outages, the water boil notice, and repairs that need to be made, a decision has been made to cancel Calallen ISD schools abs operations for Thursday, February 18th and Friday, February 19th."
- Arturo Almendarez, Superintendent of Calallen ISD

12:58 p.m. - Robstown ISD has canceled school for the rest of the week.

"Safety is a top priority for students and staff at Robstown Independent School District. Due to continued widespread power outages and the water boil notice affecting students and teachers, Robstown ISD will remain closed for all remote and in-person instruction for the remainder of the week.

We hope that students, staff, and their families are continuing to stay safe and warm. At this time, the district is anticipating to re-open on Monday, February 22nd."
- Statement from RISD

12:46 p.m. - Kingsville ISD cancels another day of school this week according to their superintendent, Cecilia "Cissy" Reynolds-Perez.

12:34 p.m. - FBISD representative Kimberly Sneed has announced that Flour Bluff ISD will cancel more school this week.

10:45 a.m. - Gregory-Portland schools have been shut down for the rest of the week because of the continued cold weather conditions, the district announced.
The district reports that only one GPISD school has eletricity, leading Superintendent Dr. Michelle Cavazos to decide to close the schools.

10:33 a.m.- Del Mar College is canceling all face-to-face, online and hybrid classes through Sunday, February 21. All college facilities and on-campus operations will be closed until Feb. 21 as well.

2/16

4:48 p.m. - There will be no school for Premont ISD through Thursday, Feb. 18. The district says on Friday, Feb. 19, classes will either be in-person or virtual, pending power restoration. For the remainder of the week, the district will be serving sandwiches curbside from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

4:07 p.m. - Calallen ISD schools and facilities, including latchkey, will remain closed on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

3:51 p.m.- West Oso ISD will not have classes on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

3:47 p.m. - CCISD has cancelled classes for Wednesday and Thursday. Gregory-Portland ISD classes are canceled for Wednesday.

3:30 p.m. - Beeville ISD is canceling all classes for Wednesday. The cancellation includes extracurricular activities and meal services.

3:15 p.m. - Texas A&M University Corpus Christi is shifting to remote learning from Wed. Feb. 17 through Sat. Feb. 20. Students and faculty should plan to work remotely.

1:13 p.m.- Sinton ISD and Aransas Pass ISD will be closed Wednesday Feb. 17 to all students and staff due to power outages.

11:39 a.m.- Taft ISD has canceled classes for Wednesday Feb. 17.

10:28 a.m. - Del Mar College has canceled all classes for Wednesday, Feb. 17. The college says the cancellation is due to hazardous winter weather conditions and the continued loss of electricity and water for thousands in its service area. The cancellation of all classes includes face-to-face, online, and hybrid instruction. All college facilities and on-campus operations will remain closed through Wednesday as well.

9:35 a.m. - Due to no water or electricity, Odem-Edroy ISD will remain closed Wednesday, Feb. 17, and until further notice.

4:40 a.m. - Due to ongoing power outages and inclement weather, George West ISD is canceling all classes (remote learning included) for Tuesday. All district offices will be closed.

2/15

4:54 p.m. - Tuloso-Midway ISD schools and district offices will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 16. District officials said this includes curbside meal service and all extracurricular activities, including athletics practices and games. All Tuesday classes are canceled, including on-campus, remote and asynchronous learning.

3:53 p.m. - Gregory-Portland ISD has Tuesday scheduled as a Staff Professional Development / Work Day and Student Holiday. However, because many employees may be without electricity, cell phone service, and it may be unsafe to travel to work, GPISD has decided to cancel staff development day. GPISD says there will be a few exceptions to this cancellation of the workday, as some staff members may be needed to help assess district property and facilities. If any employee is asked to report to work for this need, district officials say your supervisor will directly contact you.

3:49 p.m. - Brooks County ISD has canceled classes for Tuesday, Feb. 16.

3:22 p.m. - West Oso ISD will be closed Tuesday, and neither students nor staff will be expected to report to class/school virtually because of rampant power outages. School is expected to resume Wednesday, but if that decision changes, it will be announced by 6:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.

3:11 p.m. - The Jewish Community Center Preschool will close Tuesday due to weather conditions. Classes are scheduled to resume Wednesday.

3:03 p.m. - Beeville ISD canceled classes for Tuesday. The cancellation includes all extracurricular activities. Meal services also will be unavailable.

2:45 p.m.- Flour Bluff ISD has canceled classes for Tuesday Feb. 16. They expect to resume classes on Wednesday Feb. 17.

2:15 p.m. - CCISD officials have announced that all classes have been canceled on Tuesday in a bad weather day in anticipation of power outages.
The announcement was made in a voicemail to staff and families with children in the district and later posted on Facebook.

Additionally, all district athletic events scheduled for Tuesday have been postponed.

1:53 p.m. - Odem-Edroy ISD announces the district will remain closed on Tuesday, Feb. 16. The district says it will resume operations on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

1:36 p.m.- Robstown ISD and Taft ISD have cancelled classes for Tuesday Feb. 16.

1:19 p.m.- Skidmore-Tynan ISD announces classes are canceled on Tuesday Feb. 16.

9:10 a.m. - Continuous power outages at Del Mar College has resulted in the loss of all services at the school, including Canvas and Web DMC.
School officials say they will advise once the services have been notified.

7:48 a.m. - All Sinton Independent School District schools will be closed on Tuesday because of the icy weather, according to an announcement made by Superintendent Chad Jones.

2/14

4:59 p.m.- Ingleside ISD will be implementing Inclement Weather/Student Holiday Days for all IISD campuses on Monday Feb. 15 and Tuesday Feb. 16.
Because of this change,February 22 and April 5, 2021, will now be regularly scheduled school days.
As long as weather allows, school will resume as normal on Wednesday Feb. 17.

1:20 p.m.- Aransas Pass Independent School District announced that staff will work remotely on Monday Feb. 15, while students will be off for a planned student holiday. The district says that in the event that travel conditions are unsafe, classes for students will be canceled as a bad weather day on Tuesday Feb. 16, and staff will work remotely.

10:51 a.m.- The Diocese of Corpus Christi announced that all Parish and Diocesan Schools will transition to online learning for Monday, February 15.

9:46 a.m.- Kingsville ISD will implement remote learning on Monday AND Tuesday. Originally, the district planned to resume classes on Tuesday Feb. 16, but they added the remote learning day due to the inclement weather.

2/13

11:24 a.m.- George West ISD announced Saturday morning that they will move all students to remote learning on Monday, February 15 due to the forecasted winter weather. The district will be monitoring the weather through the weekend, but as of now, Tuesday, February 16 will be a regular school day.

2/12

5:05 p.m. - Beeville ISD moves to remote-only day for Monday.
Here is the full release from BISD Director of Communications Myra Barrera.

beeville-closes-due-to-cold.jpg

12:10 p.m. - Sinton schools will have a two-hour delay in reporting on Tuesday and will not have school on Monday because of a staff development day.
On Tuesday, buses will run two hours later than normal with schools opening two hours later than normal. Breakfast will be served to students once they arrive at the school.

2/11

7:30 p.m. - The School of Science and Technology will offer remote only learning on Mon. Feb. 5, 2021 due to forecasted inclement weather. This applies to School of Science and Technology Elementary, School of Science and Technology Middle/High School and School of Science and Technology Bayshore campus. Regarding Tues. February 16, classes will resume at the regular scheduled time until further notice.

4:05 p.m. - CCISD has announced that all sports events are canceled Monday due to the inclement weather.
Specifics of the event will determine whether they are rescheduled or not. CCISD athletics office representatives will be in touch with coaches about the individual updates.
An email sent to staff and parents says events happening Friday and Saturday are still on for now.

3:11 p.m. - Tuloso Midway ISD will switch to remote learning for Monday and Tuesday depending on the school schedules in the district.

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2:50 p.m. - Kingsville ISD has followed the lead of other local school districts in announcing a remote-only day Monday due to the anticipated big freeze.

KINGSVILLE-ISD-announces-remote-only-due-to-cold-weather.jfif

1:55 p.m. - CCISD announced that students and staff will learn and work remotely on Monday in anticipation of the big freeze expected in the Coastal Bend.
“Safety is always a top priority in our schools and district offices,” CCISD Superintendent Dr. Roland Hernandez said. “We encourage our students, families, and staff to be mindful of the winter conditions arriving in our area.”
Hernandez told employees to work remotely on Monday, Feb. 15 and students who were previously scheduled for a remote learning day on Monday will proceed as scheduled.
There are no reported changes for the district on Friday, Feb. 12.

1:34 p.m. - Alice ISD will go with remote-only instruction Tuesday due to the inclement weather.
The district says the Texas Education Agency has allowed districts to file a waiver for remote learning due to the dangerously cold conditions expected.
Students who are in face-to-face classes will resume in-person instruction, and virtual students will continue remote learning on Wednesday, February 17, 2021.
A release from the district says student meals for the weekend through Tuesday can be picked up from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, February 12.

10:34 a.m. - Ingleside ISD has announced that they will be closing on Monday due to inclement weather.

Here is the full statement from Rebecca Taylor on the Ingleside ISD website:
"IISD has been closely monitoring the weather predictions that are scheduled to take place early next week. Originally, IISD had a scheduled student holiday to take place on February 22. After much discussion, and for the safety of our IISD community, the Ingleside School District Administration has decided to change that date and now make February 15, 2021, a student holiday/inclement weather day, and all IISD staff will report to their campus at 1 pm to begin Staff Development. Given this change, February 22 will now be a regularly scheduled school day for all of IISD. Given the opportunity for rapidly changing road conditions during winter weather incidents, IISD will continue to monitor the conditions and issue appropriate updates if it becomes necessary. We ask parents to listen to the news and check our website and social media for potential changes. At this time, all IISD campuses will return to their normal bell schedules on Tuesday, February 16th. We appreciate the understanding in the matter and hope everyone stays safe and warm during this winter weather."

ROADS UPDATES FROM THE LAST WEEK

2/16

5:43 p.m. - Texas Department of Transportation spokesman Rickey Dailey tells KRIS 6 News' Seth Kovar that the Harbor Bridge will not be opening Tuesday night because of the chance of freezing rain in the forecast. He also said TxDOT crews will be monitoring weather conditions and working on ice removal, and they'll reevaluate opening the bridge early Wednesday morning.

3:56 p.m. - TxDOT crews are now starting to evaluate and remove ice from the Harbor Bridge. The bridge REMAINS CLOSED.

1:55 p.m. - State Highway 358, State Highway 286 and Interstate 37 have reopened after being closed several days because of the icy winter weather in the area.
Texas Department of Transportation spokesman Rickey Dailey said that the highways are operational after barricades were removed earlier on Tuesday as his crews are in the process of reopening them.
"We want people to slow down and drive safely just in case something was missed," Dailey said. "We've driven the road during nights and mornings and we wouldn't reopen them without the confidence that people could travel on them. But we them to slow down."
Dailey said the Harbor Bridge remains closed to travel because of ice. TX-DOT crews are treating those patches and they hope to open the bridge "as soon as possible," Dailey said.

2/15

6:18 p.m.- TxDOT announced that the Joe Fulton Corridor is now open. While SPID, Crosstown, I-37, the Harbor Bridge, JFK and Nueces Bay are still closed, they are hoping to reopen them Tuesday afternoon, weather permitting.

12:12 p.m.- The Corpus Christi Police Department said in a Facebook post that the roads will open when they're safe. They anticipate the JFK and Harbor Bridge to not open until Tuesday afternoon, along with highways and major overpasses. They are asking everyone to stay off the roads and stay safe.

11:41 a.m. - The State Highway 181 Nueces Bay Causeway has just reopened for traffic, according to Texas Department of Transportation spokesman Rickey Dailey.

7:03 a.m. - The Harbor Bridge is not expected to not reopen today because of the icy conditions that are gripping the Coastal Bend, said Rickey Dailey of the Texas Department of Transportation.
"What we will do is when it's safe for our crews to get out there, we will assess the conditions," Dailey said. "And we will try to open roads as the weather allows."

Live interview with Rickey Dailey of Texas Department of Transportation

7 a.m. - Sgt. Nathan Brandley of the Texas Department of Public Safety urges motorists to stay off the icy roads across the Coastal Bend if at all possible during this interview with Paulo Salazar on KRIS 6 Sunrise.

Live interview with DPS Sgt. Nathan Brandley

2/14
8:35 a.m. - Corpus Christi police advise that there currently is not a safe travel option to Portland or the Island.
Highway 181, the Joe Fulton Corridor and the JFK Causeway all remain shut down because of the icy conditions.
The police say that the closures have been made for public safety. And when the roads are safe for travel, they will be re-opened.

2/14

10:01 p.m. - The South Texas DPS chapter is reporting that it is closing roadways in Nueces, Jim Wells, San Patricio, Kleberg and Refugio counties because of ice.

8:59 p.m.- TxDOT is reporting US 77 on-ramps are being closed from south of Robstown to I-37 in Calallen. They said "this is the first step to full freeway closure in both directions on this stretch of highway."
The following bridges in Jim Wells County have been shut down, according to the sheriff’s department.

  • 141 and 281
  • 281 and 44
  • FM 624 and 281
  • 1554 and 281

8:26 p.m. - TxDOT is reporting that the JFK Causeway is now closed, as well as Interstate 37 between Downtown and Calallen. According to TxDOT Public Information Officer Rickey Dailey, the current I-37 shutout is likely a precursor to a full closure of that corridor toward San Antonio.

8:14 p.m. - TxDOT is reporting that the US 181 Main Lanes are closed from Buddy Ganem to Moore Ave in Portland. The frontage roads are open. According to Ricky Dailey with TXDOT, crews are "spreading Deicer and Ice Rock on the causeway but conditions are deteriorating quickly."

7:36 p.m.- CCPD reports that SPID EB and WB is being shut down due to icy conditions.

7:20 p.m.- TxDOT tells KRIS 6 News that the Harbor Bridge is being shut down due to icy conditions.

6:49 p.m.- According to CCPD, "SH 286 North & Southbound are being shut down from IH 37 to the SH 358 due to roadway icing over."

6:37 p.m.- According to CCPD, there are accidents being reported on the Crosstown and SPID 286 flyover. As of now, there are no road closures. Officers will be patroling the area.

ATTRACTIONS/MISCELLANEOUS UPDATES FROM THE LAST WEEK

2/16
1:05 p.m. - The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center will remain closed through Thursday.
They are hopeful of reopening during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) on Friday.

2/15
4:22 a.m. - We've started getting pictures of ice balls across the Coastal Bend area.
Viewer Ashley Durheim sent us this picture of a family member holding a chilly ball of icy when the weather started late Sunday evening.

AshleyDurheim215.png
Viewer Ashley Durheim shares a picture of family members enjoying a rare Coastal Bend ice storm.

2/14

2:45 p.m.- South Texas Botanical Gardens will be closed Monday and Tuesday, February 15 and 16. Normal hours of operation will resume Wednesday, February 17.

1:22 p.m.- The Texas State Aquarium will be closed on Monday Feb. 15 due to winter weather conditions. The aquarium plans to be open on Tuesday Feb. 16 starting at 12:00 p.m. if weather permits.

2/11
3:43 p.m. - The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center will be open this weekend, Feb. 13, 14; but will CLOSE Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 15 an 16, for wintery weather conditions. It will resume normal hours Wednesday, Feb. 17.