Saturday, September 30, 2023

Preparing for the New Year and cold winter weather

Southlake will be ringing in the New Year with colder temperatures. Forecasts are calling for temperatures in the 20’s with wind chills in the teens on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

There is a 20 percent chance of winter weather precipitation as well. If winter weather does occur it is forecast to be light and mostly on elevated surfaces.

Understanding Winter Wx_Freezing Rain Infographic MSNWith winter just starting, here are a few tips to keep in mind to help prepare for the colder weather.

Driving

  • If you must travel, choose your route wisely. Avoid known steep hills or inclines.
  • Make sure your vehicle is ready to travel. Check fuel, coolant level, and tire pressure.
  • Slow down and allow plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
  • Avoid making sharp turns or braking suddenly.
  • If your vehicle starts to skid, gently steer in the direction of the skid to regain control.
  • From a stop, accelerate slowly to get better traction.
  • Sand, kitty litter or cardboard can help you regain traction if you get stuck.
  • Do not pass sanding vehicles.
  • Be sure to have blankets, water, jumper cables, a flashlight, and tow rope in case you get stranded.

Pipes:

  • During cold weather, pipes may freeze, causing water leaks and damage to your home. Protect your home by opening the cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow air from your home’s heater to warm the pipes under the sink.
  • Let faucets drip – moving water freezes slower than still water.
  • Insulate outdoor faucets and pipes with insulation or newspaper, and be sure to disconnect and drain hoses from outdoor spigots.
  • Winterize all irrigation systems.

Plants:

  • Protect plants from freezing by covering them with plant-cover fabric, or a light blanket with plastic sheeting on top of it.
  • Be sure to group plants that are in containers together, and near your home. Remember that soil in containers can get just as cold as the air temperature, and cause the roots to freeze, even if the above-surface leaves survive.

Pets

  • Make sure pets have a warm dry place to stay.
  • Give them plenty of water and food.

Stay up-to-date with winter weather in Southlake by following Southlake Emergency Management on Southlake DPS Facebook and Twitter.

Sip, Sup & Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Southlake

The countdown is on—it’s almost time to sip, sup and celebrate New Year’s Eve in Southlake! With more than 130 dining options, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to ring in the new year.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening with your sweetheart or toasting with friends, choose from upscale, casual or family-style dining options. Here are a few Southlake restaurants that are pulling out all the stops for New Year’s Eve:

Del Frisco’s Grille is getting the party started early, offering a special New Year’s Eve menu from December 29-31, in addition to a celebratory New Year’s toast on the big night. Diners may select from three fixed price courses, including favorites like Artichoke Beignets, Coffee Braised Pork Shank and Nutella Bread Pudding. Brunch will also be served all weekend long—including New Year’s Day—allowing patrons to refuel from late night festivities with options like Crabcake Benedict or Red Velvet Belgian Waffles.

Truluck’s is also offering a reason to celebrate the night in style, complete with a four-course, fixed price menu, party favors and more. Share a first course of Oysters Rockefeller before savoring Lobster Bisque, Miso-Glazed Seabass, and enjoying a sweet ending with Chocolate Malt Cake, among other delicious selections. As always, diners will find the perfect compliments to each chef-prepared dish with delicious wines by the glass and bottle—and plenty of bubbly options for toasting to the new year.

Kirby’s Steakhouse is going all out for New Year’s Eve with dinner, dancing, and a midnight countdown with a complimentary champagne toast. The special four-course, fixed price menu boasts festive favorites like Duck Confit Egg Rolls, Blue Crab & Roasted Corn Chowder, Angus Ribeye—among other signature steak options, and Chocolate & Eggnog Soiree. Not a night owl? Early diners receive a discount (reservations before 4:45 pm).

Hungry to get the party started? Don’t hesitate to make a reservation—and a resolution—to celebrate 2018 in Southlake.