A winter storm warning issued by the Fort Worth/Dallas National Weather Service runs from 6 a.m. on Saturday to 12 p.m. on Sunday. They warn of heavy mixed precipitation, ice accumulations, and a possibility of sleet and snow accumulations up to one inch. They also caution people to expect sporadic power outages and tree damage. 

To prepare for this storm, the Physical Plant at UMHB works in advance. They will have volunteers on stand-by during the weekend and have already started putting ice melt all around campus, going through pending work orders, and are routinely checking their assigned buildings to fix any issues.  

Students are advised to open cabinet doors in kitchen areas to allow the pipes to get heated, make sure doors and windows are shut as much as possible, put a work order in and tell a Resident Assistant as soon as they notice something, monitor living areas now to get ahead of the winter storm. For weekend emergencies, students should call their RA or Residential Director or campus police. 

The Physical Plant works hand in hand with the UMHB’s police department, who will have officers on patrol around the clock to assist students in need. If you need campus police support, like jumpstarting a vehicle or assisting with a tire change, don’t hesitate to call the police department at 254-295-5555. They also monitor the weather, so be sure to check for alerts sent out by them to students and faculty. If there is a serious emergency, call 911. 

UMHB’s Dining Service plans to stay open during the storm.  

“You don’t have to worry about not having any food.” Ms. Vicky Stallworth, Dining Services employee, said. “We are always going to be here for you. We’re here to make sure y’all are comfortable and fed, so be careful and stay safe.”  

As for the city, the city of Belton spokesperson Cristina Waits says that most of the bridges and overpasses in Belton are maintained by TxDOT and that their Public Works Department has sand ready to be spread on city-maintained roadways. The city does not anticipate opening a warming shelter for this weather event. However, there is a warming shelter at The Salvation Army in Temple that is open to the public. 

“Our emergency responders encourage residents to avoid driving on slick roadways.” Waits said. “If travel is necessary, drivers should be prepared with plenty of gas and fully charged cell phones. Drivers also should carry warm blankets and water in case they are stranded and must wait for an emergency vehicle.” 

To get regular updates about the storm from the school, visit the Physical Plant’s resource page at www.umhb.edu/resources/physical-plant/operational-notices#1845 and Instagram at www.instagram.com/umhbphysicalplant/.