Winter Weather Updates
Published on January 12, 2024
Winter weather has arrived! The National Weather Service cautions about below freezing temperatures and other dangerous conditions.
Keep an eye on @NWSFortWorth for the latest forecasts and take proactive steps to stay winter ready.
Safeguard the 4 P’s: People, Pets, Plants, and Pipes. If roads are icy, consider delaying non-essential travel.
Subscribe to Alert GP for important winter weather updates.
Garbage Collection
Jan. 15, 2024 4:30 p.m. update:
Republic Services has announced the suspension of residential garbage collection for Tuesday, January 16, due to the extreme cold and staffing challenges. Here is the revised garbage collection schedule for the week:
Wednesday: Recycling collection citywide.
Thursday & Friday: Residential garbage collection double-pull, expected to extend to Saturday.
Commercial and industrial waste collection will resume on January 16 and is set to catch up by Saturday.
The landfill will open at 8:30 a.m. on January 16.
In the event inclement weather disrupts garbage collection in the following days, we will notify the public via this web page, TextMyGov, and social media pages.
Delayed openings
Due to the current inclement weather and for the safety of patrons and staff, all City facilities have delayed openings until 10:00 AM, Tuesday, Jan. 16.
EpicCentral
Epic Waters, Illuvia, and Loop 9 BBQ will be closed on Monday, Jan. 15, due to inclement weather.
Illuvia Water & Light Shows will remain closed through Tuesday, Jan. 16.
Warming Center Opens Sunday
As the cold weather sets in, we are committed to ensuring the safety and warmth of our residents. Starting Sunday, Jan. 14, at 7:00 a.m., a 24/7 warming center will be operational at the Public Safety Building, 1525 Arkansas Lane, for all Grand Prairie residents.This service will continue until weather conditions improve.
Please note the following important information:
- Transportation to the center is not provided.
- Only service animals are permitted; unfortunately, other pets cannot be accommodated.
- Sleeping bags and cots are not allowed inside the center.
- Residents are encouraged to bring chargers for their electronic devices.
- Water will be provided on-site. Feel free to bring your own food.
Transportation and Mobility Services
City trucks are prepped and loaded for immediate sanding. Our dedicated crew members have been diligently brining bridges and main roads, standing by and ready to respond swiftly.
Tips to Safeguard Your Property
Winterize your home effectively by following these key tips:
- Turn your sprinkler system off. Water once every three weeks, if no rainfall has occurred, on a day without freezing temperatures.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor water hoses, then store them indoors for future use next spring.
- Cover outdoor faucets with Styrofoam faucet covers (available at hardware or home improvement stores) or wrap faucets with heavy cloth covered by plastic.
- Wrap pipes located in attics or garages with heat tape or cover them with pipe insulation.
- Locate your emergency master shut-off valve (usually found in a flower bed near the front of the house) so that you can quickly shut off the water to your house if any pipes happen to freeze and burst while they are thawing.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air into the area around interior pipes.
- Set the hot and cold faucets to drip slowly in the kitchen sink, bathroom sinks, and tubs. The slow movement of water in the pipes will prevent solid freezing.
- If you will be leaving town for an extended period of time, ask a close neighbor or friend to check on your property every few days.
- Any house or business that is totally vacant should be “winterized” – which is turning the water off at the meter and then opening all faucets on the property to drain the pipes.
- If water pipes become frozen, let them thaw naturally by exposing warmer air to the pipes.
- Never try to thaw pipes using hair dryers or other forms of heat!
Home Preparation Tips
Check out these valuable winter preparation tips from CBS News to ensure your home is ready for the cold season.