Mineral Wells Area News

By Gary Norman | Mineral Wells Area News

A significant Arctic blast is expected to impact North Texas this weekend. According to the National Weather Service, which has issued both a Winter Storm Warning and an Extreme Cold Warning for the region, temperatures are forecast to plunge into the single digits, with potential accumulations of one-quarter to one-half inch of ice and one to three inches of sleet and snow.

In advance of the storm, city, county, and state agencies are taking steps to protect public safety, maintain mobility, and safeguard critical infrastructure.

City of Mineral Wells Preparations

Mineral Wells is implementing several precautionary measures, including:

Placing Public Works staff on active and on-call status for repairs or emergency shut-offs Salting and sanding public safety buildings and City facilities Salting and sanding SW 25th Avenue to support safe access to critical healthcare facilities Preparing to barricade hills that may become impassable due to ice or snow.

Roadways that may be barricaded as conditions warrant include:

Northwest Mineral Wells

Travis Street Mesquite Street NW 10th Street & NW 7th Avenue

Northeast Mineral Wells

NE 10th Street NE 23rd Street & Redbud Drive

Southeast Mineral Wells

SE 19th Street & 4th Avenue SE 20th Street SE 21st Street Morningside Drive & SE 4th Avenue.

Jason Weeks, City Manager, said crews are actively preparing and will remain on standby throughout the event.

“As winter weather approaches, our priority is ensuring the safety of our residents and maintaining access to critical facilities,” Weeks said. “Crews are actively preparing for the inclement weather as best we can, monitoring conditions, and remaining on-call throughout the storm. We encourage residents to stay informed through our social media channels and take time now to prepare their households.”

Palo Pinto County Response

Officials with Palo Pinto County report the following actions are underway:

Placing some employees on on-call status to respond to service requests Topping off fuel tanks and checking equipment and generators Salting major thoroughfares to prevent ice accumulation

Jeff Fryer, Precinct Four Commissioner, said conditions will determine whether road closures are necessary.

“We have a couple of big hills we are treating, but we are hoping we don’t have to close them,” Fryer said. “Conditions will dictate what we do next.”

State Highway Operations

The Texas Department of Transportation reported it is taking the following steps:

Salting major highways, including U.S. 180 and U.S. 281 through Mineral Wells Treating state-maintained Farm-to-Market roads Operating on a 24-hour staffing schedule to respond to service needs Closing roadways as conditions require

Val Lopez, Public Information Officer for TxDOT, said planning for winter weather events begins well before temperatures drop.

“We are asking motorists to do their part and delay travel,” Lopez said. “This will be a wonderful weekend to stay in and watch football.”

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