Corpus Christi Implementing Winter Weather Protocols

City of Corpus Christi

CORPUS CHRISTI (News Release) – The National Weather Service is forecasting a strong arctic cold front for Corpus Christi beginning Wednesday evening, lasting for several days. Corpus Christi and surrounding areas will likely have two consecutive hard freezes on Friday morning and Saturday morning. Wind chill advisories and warnings may be issued. Wind chill values are forecasted to be 13 ° Friday morning and 17 ° Saturday morning.

Preparations began to implement the City’s winter weather protocols after meeting with the National Weather Service’s Corpus Christi office. The City has measures in place to ensure proper and safe City services in public safety, transportation, water, homelessness, and animal care. Residents are urged to take this time to protect people, property, and pets.

Warming Centers:

The City will offer daytime warming centers within the city limits that are free and open to the public. City warming centers are not a place to sleep or eat. No pets are allowed, and no food will be provided. COVID-19 protocols will be in place, and facemasks are recommended. 

Thursday, February 3, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday, February 4, and Saturday, February 5, from 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 6, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• Broadmoor Senior Center 1651 Tarlton Street 826-3138

• Ethel Eyerly Senior Center 654 Graham Road 826-2330

• Owen R. Hopkins Library 3202 McKinzie Road 826-2350

• La Retama Library 805 Comanche Street 826-7055

• Ben F. McDonald Library 4044 Greenwood Drive 826-2356

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority will provide free transportation to and from the Warming Centers.

Homeless Shelters:

The City is working with multiple homeless agencies to ensure shelter, meals, and blankets are provided for those in need.

• The Salvation Army will increase capacity by opening the sanctuary at the Center of Hope Church at 1802 Buford Street for additional persons who are homeless on Thursday, February 3, Friday, February 4, and Saturday, February 5 for overnight services. The Center will open at 4:00 p.m. each day.

• Persons needing shelter may also check the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission at 210 S. Alameda Street

• The Mother Teresa Shelter at 513 Sam Rankin Street will be open Thursday and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for meals and shelter. The Shelter will be available Saturday during the day as a warming center

• Metro Ministries at 1919 Leopard Street will serve lunch and dinner as part of their normal weekday operations. They will open the cafeteria at 9:00 a.m. as a warming center Thursday and Friday

• City staff is conducting outreach Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday handing out blankets, socks, hats, and information on where the homeless can find shelter

• The Gulf Coast Humane Society is donating its services by hosting the pets of homeless persons as needed

COVID-19 Testing:

• Due to inclement weather, the testing site at the former Memorial Hospital at 2602 Hospital Boulevard, will be closed Friday and Saturday

• All outdoor vaccination clinics will be canceled Friday and Saturday

Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA):

There are no cancellations currently. Please check with your air carrier before heading to the airport.

Animal Care Services:

Corpus Christi Animal Care Services (ACS) will have Officers on standby to respond to calls of animals without shelter.

• Officers will be educating those owners about the cold and care of their pets

• If needed, ACS will take the appropriate action for pets found in difficult circumstances where their well-being is in jeopardy

• During regular business hours, call the Customer Call Center at 361-826-CITY (2489) to place a call for service for an Officer to respond to a pet in need or, after hours, call the police department’s non-emergency number at 361-886-2600

Fire Department:

The Corpus Christi Fire Department urges residents to be careful with space heaters:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on using alternate heating devices safely and take time to prepare and inspect the heating equipment before using it

• NEVER use charcoal grills or other fuel-burning devices indoors since they produce carbon monoxide

• Keep a close eye on children and pets whenever a space heater is used

• Always turn heaters off when leaving home

AEP Texas:

To report hazards or general calls: 1-877-373-4858

To report outages: 1-866-223-8508

Water Utilities:

Precautions are underway at the water, and wastewater operations to ensure utility services are not impacted due to cold weather.

Water Pipes:

With freezing conditions expected, the City of Corpus Christi Water Utilities advises residents to take immediate action to help protect their property:

• Wrap all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of the home with newspaper, insulation, or towels

• Remove the garden hose from outside faucets. Insulate outside faucets with a Styrofoam cover, rags, or paper

• Shut off irrigation systems

Gas Service

City gas customers should note that rising natural gas prices and extended heater use will result in a higher-than-normal utility bill.

Solid Waste:

• There are no interruptions in service or curbside pickup

• The J.C. Elliott Transfer Station and Cefe Valenzuela Landfill will be open during regular business hours

Home Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels):

• Clients will receive regular meal delivery on Thursday and Friday

“Safe Fun-Fit at the Bayfront”

• The “Safe Fun-Fit at the Bayfront” is canceled this weekend due to forecasted extreme cold temperatures in the morning. “Safe Fun-Fit at the Bayfront” fitness classes will resume on February 12, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. All events are free