City Urges Residents to Prepare for Freezing Conditions

Protect the Four Ps: People, Pets, Property, and Plants

By City of Corpus Christi - Jan 22, 2026

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The National Weather Service forecasts that frigid air will move into the area Saturday night and Sunday behind a cold front. Low temperatures will drop into the 20s for much of the region. Wind chill values (feel-like temperature) during this period will fall into the teens and 20s. Sunday high temperatures will only be in the upper 30s and lower 40s. Freezing temperatures are also expected on Monday and Tuesday mornings.

Light freezing drizzle remains possible for the area, which can result in slick spots on roadways, especially bridges and overpasses.

The City has protocols in place to ensure proper and safe City services, such as public safety, roads, water and wastewater, and animal care. The City, in conjunction with community partners,  is working on a plan to provide daytime and overnight shelter for those in need. Details will be made public when available.

Residents are urged to take this time to protect the four Ps:  People, Pets, Property, and Plants. 

AEP Texas/Electricity

If you lose power to your home, please call AEP Texas at 1-877-373-4858 to report the outage.  

To report hazards or for general inquiries, please call 1-866-223-8508.

Animal Care Services

Per City Ordinance, pets must be brought indoors if the “feel-like” temperature falls below 32° degrees.  Corpus Christi Animal Care Services will have Animal Care Officers and staff available throughout the event to respond to calls on pets without shelter.  

  • Officers will educate owners about cold weather and proper care of their pets.
  • If needed, ACS will take appropriate action for pets under challenging circumstances where their well-being is jeopardized.
  • During regular business hours, call the Customer Call Center at 3-1-1 to place a call for service for an officer to respond to a pet in need. After hours, call CCPD Non-Emergency Police at (361) 886-2600.  

Corpus Christi International Airport

Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) reminds travelers to monitor their flight status and prepare for possible delays. CCIA will post flight delays and cancellations on its website's flight information screen at www.flyccia.com. It is highly recommended that you download your airline's app to receive the most up-to-date flight status and easily rebook a flight without going to the airport.  

The City recommends these tips for protecting your property:

Fire Department

The Corpus Christi Fire Department urges residents to be careful when heating their homes.

  • Inspect all heating equipment before use.
  • Make sure all space heaters are clean and dust-free.
  • Choose UL-approved electric space heaters with automatic shut-off or tip-over safety features.
  • Never run extension cords under rugs or carpets.
  • If using extension cords, ensure they are the proper size and length.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions on using alternate heating devices safely and take time to prepare and inspect the heating equipment before using it.
  • Exercise extreme caution when using space heaters, kitchen stoves, firepits, or generators to warm homes.
  • Never use charcoal grills, generators or other fuel-burning devices indoors since they produce carbon monoxide and can cause structure fires.
  • Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries regularly.
  • Keep a close eye on children and pets when using space heaters.
  • Keep space heaters at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable items.
  • Always turn heaters off when leaving home.

Corpus Christi Water

Corpus Christi Water (CCW) is taking necessary precautions to ensure water services are not impacted by cold weather. With freezing conditions expected, CCW recommends the following tips to protect your home:

Winter Home Preparation

  • Wrap outdoor and exposed pipes with foam insulation. Towels, or pool noodles, can also be used
  • Disconnect outdoor hoses to prevent water from freezing in the lines
  • Cover outdoor faucets with insulated faucet covers or wrap them in towels
  • Drain irrigation systems
  • Insulate backflow devices to prevent freezing and backflow failure
  • Cover or insulate pool equipment to prevent damage to pumps and filters

When actual temperatures are forecasted to fall below freezing at 32°F, here are a few simple extra steps:

Open cabinets under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate pipes

·         Keep your home heated, even when traveling, to maintain temperatures above freezing

·         Drip faucets only if absolutely necessary: After implementing all preventative measures, and if additional protection is needed when temperatures are 32 degrees or lower, select just one faucet (located the greatest distance from the main shut-off valve) and adjust it to drip only once every few seconds. It is recommended to catch the dripping water in a container for reuse.

  • Check for water leaks twice a day. Walk around your home and listen for running water. If you find a leak, shut off the water until repairs can be made.

Outdoors:

  • Cover vents around the foundation of your home.
  • Know where the water cut-off valve is located and how to use it. Applying oil, such as WD-40, to the cut-off valve before operating it can prevent the valve from breaking.
  • Mulch or cover outdoor plants with straw, blankets, or cardboard.
  • To prevent heat loss from plant containers, push outdoor pots together and wrap the bases with a blanket.
  • Don't worry if plant leaves wilt; they protect themselves against the cold by dehydrating themselves. Given time, most will perk back up.
  • If you see damage from frost in your plants (black or purple flaccid leaves or stems), particularly on woody perennials, wait until the spring to prune so as not to shear off healthy tissue.

Gas Service

City gas customers who need assistance lighting heaters or furnace pilot lights can call the City’s 3-1-1 Call Center.

Planning to be Away from Home

  • Turn the water off at the property owner's cut-off valve and insulate any exposed backflow prevention devices.
  • Keep your home heated, even when traveling. Set the thermostat inside to a temperature warmer than 55º degrees.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer air to circulate below the sinks.
  • Open doors to all rooms to ensure heat is moving throughout the entire house.
  • Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to ensure it is warm enough to prevent freezing.

Here is more information on preparing for colder temperatures.

View the latest news releases here: https://www.corpuschristitx.gov/news/

You can also find updates on the City's social media channels:

Residents can also contact the City’s 3-1-1 Call Center by dialing 3-1-1 or using the free mobile app.

Media representatives can contact Robert Gonzales, Public Information Manager, at (361) 826-3233 or robertg8@CorpusChristiTX.gov for more information.

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