Madison County prepares for arctic blast

Madison County residents should prepare for an arctic blast expected to bring freezing rain, ice and dangerously cold temperatures through early next week.

The Madison County Emergency Management Operations Team announced plans Friday, Jan. 23 to help residents weather the storm. Temperatures are forecast to drop into the single digits by Monday, Jan. 26, with lows near 6 degrees expected in Madisonville.

Madisonville Consolidated Independent School District canceled all weekend athletic events because of the weather. Road scrimmages, Lil Dribblers games and Madisonville FC scrimmages will not take place. All facilities and campuses will remain closed through the weekend as maintenance crews prepare buildings for the cold.

Madisonville First Baptist Church will open its Family Life Center as a warming shelter at noon Saturday, Jan. 24. The shelter will remain open through noon Tuesday, Jan. 27. Residents who need more information can call 979-204-1989.

The shelter is available for residents who lose electricity, heating or water services during the storm.

Madison County Veterans Services is offering electric heaters and blankets at its office for those who need them. The office also operates a food pantry.

Forecasters expect freezing rain throughout Saturday as temperatures struggle to stay above 32 degrees. The freezing rain could turn to sleet or snow late Saturday into Sunday. Ice accumulation is possible on roads, bridges and overpasses.

Temperatures are not expected to climb above freezing for more than a day. Sunday's high is forecast near 27 degrees with a low of 7 degrees. Monday's high is expected near 29 degrees.

Residents can check road conditions at TexasReady.gov and find winter weather safety tips at DriveTexas.org. Information on warming centers is available at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.

Those who want weather alerts can sign up at madison.genasys.com.

Stay with the Madisonville Meteor on Facebook and our website for updates throughout the storm.