As a winter storm bearing freezing temperatures, sleet, and possible snow approaches North Texas this weekend, cities across the region are activating warming centers and shelters to aid residents facing power outages or exposure to the cold, with special provisions for those experiencing homelessness.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for North and Central Texas from 6 p.m. Friday through noon Sunday, along with an Extreme Cold Warning from Saturday evening to Monday morning.
Forecasters anticipate a shift to sleet and snow late Saturday, ending by Sunday, with subfreezing conditions potentially lingering until Monday afternoon. Ice buildup on trees and power lines could lead to outages.
In Dallas, public libraries and recreation centers will serve as warming and charging stations during standard operating hours, which vary by site.
The city’s Inclement Weather Shelter at Fair Park’s Automobile Building, 1010 First Ave., opens at 4 p.m. Friday and offers space for over 1,000 people, with meals, blankets, restrooms, and a heated area. Austin Street Center, partnering with the city and OurCalling, is managing the site, while its Hickory Street location remains closed this weekend.
“For someone sleeping outside, cold weather like this can be fatal,” said Daniel Roby, CEO of Austin Street Center, Fox 4 KDFW reported. “This inclement weather shelter is truly lifesaving, and it ensures that our neighbors experiencing homelessness have a safe, warm place to be during these dangerous conditions.”
The Office of Homeless Solutions provides additional support for unsheltered individuals.
Salvation Army facilities across Dallas, Tarrant, and Denton counties will offer shelter, food, drinks, emotional care, and supplies. Sites include the Garland Corps Community Center at 451 W. Avenue D in Garland; Carr P. Collins Social Service Center at 5302 Harry Hines Blvd. in Dallas; Arlington Corps at 712 W. Abram St. in Arlington; J.E. & L.E. Mabee Social Service Center at 1855 E. Lancaster Ave. in Fort Worth; Denton Corps at 1508 E. McKinney St. in Denton; and Lewisville Corps at 880 Fox Ave. in Lewisville.
Arlington will launch three overnight shelters starting Friday: the Salvation Army on Abram Street; First United Methodist Church at 407 N. Mesquite St.; and Nations Church at 1013 W. Park Row Drive, which will operate continuously from noon Friday through Monday as both a warming center and shelter. Public libraries and recreation centers will be available during regular hours in designated areas.
The Arlington Animal Services Shelter will house pets of homeless people as space permits.
In Richardson, three 24-hour shelters opened Friday at the police administration building, Fire Station #3, and Fire Station #6. Residents should note potential disruptions to services, including bulk trash collection.
DeSoto’s Cold Weather Plan includes a 24-hour warming center at its Recreation Center from 6 a.m. Saturday through Monday evening, open to locals and neighboring Best Southwest community members, subject to capacity.
Fort Worth runs an emergency overflow program if regular shelters fill up, redirecting people from facilities like Union Gospel Mission at 1321 E. Lancaster Ave., Presbyterian Night Shelter at 2400 Cypress St., or, for families, the Salvation Army’s Mabee Center at 1855 E. Lancaster Ave.
Grace Place Food Pantry in Anna will close on Saturday.
Officials urge precautions against cold risks, particularly for the elderly, young children, and those with chronic conditions, who are prone to hypothermia and frostbite.
Recommendations include checking on vulnerable neighbors, staying hydrated with non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic drinks, dressing in layers with hats, gloves, and insulated boots, minimizing outdoor exposure with indoor breaks, remaining inside when possible, setting thermostats to 68°F or below for energy savings, using weather stripping and closed curtains to hold heat, and relying on blankets and warm indoor attire.
