A winter storm is set to hit Galveston County that is prompting local authorities to take precautionary measures.
The forecast predicts four to six inches of snow on the mainland and three to four inches on the island, a significant amount for an area that rarely sees snow.
KPRC 2′s Corley Peel reached out to Galveston County Judge Mark Henry to discuss what local officials think will happen this week.
County road and bridge crews are actively monitoring the weather, with facilities crews on standby to open warming centers if necessary.
Recently elected Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen increased patrols in unincorporated areas, and emergency management teams are closely watching the weather as snow is expected to arrive within hours.
The Texas Department of Transportation has treated the causeway, and any closure notifications will be promptly communicated to the public.
Initially, the area was not offering warming centers on the island, but a warming center was opened Monday at Our Daily Bread, located at 2420 Winnie Street.
Three additional warming centers were also opened near the island: one in La Marque (401 Laurel Street), one in Bacliff (825 Grand Avenue) and one in Texas City (510 13th Avenue N). There are other options for people who need an escape from the frigid conditions, such as the Salvation Army at 401 Laurel Street.
MORE INFO: Warming centers opened all across Houston | Find one near you
Judge Henry explained, “They’re sending people to the Salvation Army if they need a place to go, and the health district has identified a couple of other locations. Warming centers within the city limits would be the responsibility of the city. We would be responsible for unincorporated county. So Bolivar Peninsula and the Sandy Island area in the east of the county.”
Flooding is not a major concern, as the expected snowfall will only result in a minimal amount of water. Residents are advised to stay home and avoid driving, as road conditions may become hazardous. The storm is expected to clear by Wednesday.
Snow on the beach is a rare occurrence in Galveston. The last time was 14 years ago. While it may be tempting to go out in the snow, residents are encouraged to enjoy it from the safety of their homes.
Power outages are not anticipated, but residents should stay informed through credible news sources. Approximately 350,000 people reside in Galveston County, and local authorities are committed to ensuring their safety during the storm.