KILLEEN, Texas (Feb. 3, 2023) – The City of Killeen thanks residents for taking precautions and practicing safety measures during the recent winter storm in our area. The safety of Killeen citizens is always the top priority for City staff.
“As we have had much practice since the winter storm of 2021, City staff was well prepared and executed all of the necessary tasks as expected,” Killeen Fire Department Chief Jim Kubinski said.
A winter storm warning was in effect in our area from Monday- Thursday, and the City partnered with the Moss Rose Center to open a warming center during this period. There were 92 citizens who utilized the center between Monday and Thursday, although not all stayed overnight. The warming center will open at 6p.m. tonight and close at 9a.m. Saturday. If no one is using the center at 11:30p.m., it will close at that time.
The City of Killeen’s policy is to open a warming center if the forecasted temperature or wind chill factor is forecasted to fall to or below 32 degrees.
Low temperatures, combined with freezing rain and sleet, led to ice accumulation on elevated roadways, bridges, and ramps, and hazardous travel conditions. The Killeen Fire Department responded to more than 175 weather-related incidents over the 48-hour freeze. The incidents included routine medical emergencies, ice-related vehicle accidents and falls on ice. There were no Fire Department fleet accidents.
Early Friday morning, emergency crews responded to multiple vehicle accidents, as bridges and elevated roadways still contained patches of ice. There was one fatality.
The WS Young Bridge remains closed from Veterans Memorial Boulevard to Atkinson Avenue.
The Public Works Department had three sand trucks applying sand on roadways with known areas of concern.
A reminder that Thursday trash collection routes have moved to Friday, and Friday routes will be collected on Saturday.
Flights at the Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport have returned to regular service. Passengers can check AA.com for updated flight information.
City staff monitors inclement weather events closely at all times and there is constant communication to remain prepared and take a proactive approach.
The City appreciates residents heeding to the warnings and continuing to make the safety of their family and neighbors a priority. The more citizens there are who take necessary precautions and follow the alerts, the less potential there is for accidents and dangerous situations.
To get the latest, up-to-date information from the City, follow us on our website, www.KilleenTexas.gov; Facebook (@KilleenTexas), Instagram (@CityOfKilleen), Twitter (@CityOfKilleen) and YouTube (@CityofKilleenTX), and signup for all alerts on our website by visiting www.killeentexas.gov/alertcenterand signing up for emergency alerts from our CodeRED system at www.killeentexas.gov/ohsem.
