Friday, March 29, 2024

Record Rainfall in Southlake Over the Weekend

Did anyone else have the words to the popular nursery rhyme “Rain, Rain, Go Away” stuck in their head Sunday? It came fast and it came furious. The City of Southlake had a total of 5.64 inches of rain on Sunday afternoon. The majority of that, 5.5 inches to be exact, fell within just 30 minutes.

The heavy rainfall caused several headaches around town. From flooded roadways, overflowing drainage systems to fallen tree limbs, the storm served as a tangible reminder to always be weather aware.

“Severe weather can happen very fast,” notes Southlake Emergency Management Coordinator Amanda Meneses. “When it does happen, don’t try to brave the storm, normally it passes quickly and if you see something that impacts public safety, report it.”

This has been a record-setting year for rainfall. According to the National Weather Service, as of May, the DFW area has seen more than 19 inches of rain this year. Last May, we saw almost two inches of rain in May, this year we had more than eight inches in May. This means the ground has been very saturated, that doesn’t leave much room for the additional water any new rainfall brings. But the water has to go somewhere, right?

The City has an extensive drainage system that is designed to channel rainwater. City engineers are always considering how water will impact public lands. When they see an issue, they work with the City Council to invest public dollars into proper drainage. If you have more questions about drainage in Southlake, visit our Stormwater and Drainage page on the City website.

Also, remember with heavy rainfall there can be debris left over and Republic Services, the City’s solid waste contractor, can help with that. Republic Services provides curbside collection of bulky waste during the regular residential collection at the rate of up to two cubic yards for no additional charge. The brush should be bundled in length of no more than four feet and no more than 50 pounds. If you have additional questions about trash collection, click here for more information.

It’s spring time in Texas, are you weather aware? We can help.

We’ve all heard the saying “April showers bring May flowers.” Well, we all know that in Texas sometimes it can be way more than just showers, everything is bigger in Texas.

This is the time of year when severe weather can be at its worst. Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, monster sized hail can show up at a moment’s notice. Because of the unpredictability of mother nature, we want to help you be more prepared. By signing up for Alert Southlake, you will have weather notifications at your fingertips.

As part of Southlake’s commitment to public safety, community awareness, and emergency preparedness, the City offers Alert Southlake. It’s a communication tool that allows users the ability to receive instant weather and emergency information delivered right to their mobile device, home phone or email.
As a user of Alert Southlake, emergency information such as, severe weather alerts and West Nile Virus updates, will be delivered directly to you. Users can also sign up to receive important information about community events and citywide meeting notifications.

It’s quick and easy to opt-in, sign up, and begin receiving alerts via Alert Southlake on your preferred device. Click here to register or go the Southlake Office of Emergency Management web page to register. Registration will require you to create a login and a password. Next, you’ll complete your profile by entering your personal information, including first name, last name and registration email. You can then select how you want to receive your alerts. Entering your location is important so that you may receive important alerts from the National Weather Service. You will then be allowed to choose which subscriptions you would prefer. You have the selection of Community information and Weather Alerts. Types of alerts can also be individually selected as well as quiet hours. Once registered, users will have access to important information at your fingertips.

So, how do you manage your account once it has been created?

You can utilize your login and password at any time to change your Alert Southlake settings. You can change your address, phone numbers, and preferences at any time. If you have forgotten your account information you can always contact the Office of Emergency Management at 817-748-8903 and they can help you out.

Once logged in there are three boxes that allow you to manage different parts of your account. The “My Profile” box allows you to edit any part of your profile. Need to remove a phone number, or add an email address? Select the “Edit” button and begin to make changes to your profile as needed. The other thing to note in the “My Profile” is the “Delete My Account” button towards the bottom. This deletes your entire account from the Alert Southlake System. By clicking this button, you will no longer receive any notifications from the City of Southlake, including severe weather.

Don’t want to delete your entire account, but don’t want to receive all those phone calls? You can manage the alerts you receive in the “My Alert Subscription” box. Hit the “Edit” button to begin editing.

Southlake Connect Profile Page

The page below allows you to select what type of notifications you’d like to receive. You can select the type of community alerts and weather notifications you want to receive. There are a total of 176 weather notification options. Please note, if you simply select the box next to the word weather, you will be selecting all 176 notifications.

This page is also where users can select their quiet period. You can select when you would not like to be contacted. If you do not enter a specific time, the quiet period will default to the City’s quiet period of 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM. There are two emergency notifications that will come through during a quiet period. A tornado warning and a severe thunderstorm warning, this is because these systems can be very severe and require immediate actions for public safety.

Alert Subscription Management

Alert Southlake is a great tool to help you stay informed. You can learn more about the system here. If you have any questions about the weather notifications feature, please contact the Emergency Management Coordinator Amanda Meneses at (817) 748-8903.

Southlake Severe Weather Awareness Week: March 18-24

Spring is here, and that can mean severe weather for the DFW region. In an effort to bring more awareness to preparing for severe weather in Southlake, Mayor Laura Hill recently proclaimed March 18 – 24 as Severe Weather Awareness Week in Southlake at the March 20 City Council Meeting.

Each year brings the potential for violent weather to Texas, and large portions of our state including the City of Southlake, can be devastated by flooding, tornadoes, hail storms, straight-line winds, and other severe emergencies; and,

Whereas, the City of Southlake, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have joined together to urge all citizens to prepare for severe weather events and to educate themselves on safety strategies; and,

Whereas, while storms can strike at any time of year, the months of March, April and May bring a greater potential for violent weather events. Planning, preparation, and day-to-day awareness can greatly reduce the loss of life and property during severe weather events; now,

Therefore, I, Mayor Laura Hill, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim March 18-24, 2018, as “Severe Weather Awareness Week” and urge everyone in our community to learn more about and to participate in severe weather preparedness activities available in the City of Southlake.

 

More Rain in the Forecast, Flash Flooding Possible

With more rain in the immediate weekend forecast, residents are urged to stay informed this weekend.  Here is the forecast the National Weather Service Fort Worth  posted Friday (5/15) afternoon:

There is a chance for severe weather across much of the area Saturday afternoon and night. The best chances for severe weather will be roughly west of a line from Comanche to Bowie. The severe weather threats will include large hail, damaging winds, flash flooding, possibly tornadoes, and numerous lightning strikes. Our latest thinking is the storms may initially develop as isolated storms but then form into a line of storms that impacts a larger part of the region. Stay tuned to the forecast for the latest on this severe weather potential.

For the latest information watch National Weather Service Fort Worth Twitter, and Facebook pages  MySouthlakenews.comthe DPS Facebook & City Facebook Pages as well as the City’s Twitter page.

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Severe Weather Alert Warning Systems

southlake severe weatherWith severe weather season here, the Southlake Emergency Management team wanted to take a moment to remind citizens about the warning systems that are in place in the City of Southlake.

First of all, there are five outdoor warning sirens placed strategically throughout the City of Southlake. Sirens are tested at 1:00p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month, but only when the weather is calm and the skies are clear. Sirens are designed to notify anyone outside that inclement weather is upon us and that you should seek shelter and seek information immediately!

New to weather warnings this year is ‘Wireless Emergency Alerts.’ You may have received similar alerts for Amber Alerts, but they now include notifications for tornado and flood warnings. This federal program provides alerts based on information from the National Weather Service. Emergency Management Coordinator Ben Williamson says, “This is an excellent program that provides targeted warnings to you based on your current location according to your smart phone.” For more information on Wireless Emergency Alerts, please visit:  http://www.fema.gov/wireless-emergency-alerts

Connect CTY is the City’s reverse notification system. This system is capable of reaching all residents and businesses in the City if needed to provide warnings and instructions on what to do during and after an emergency. Please listen carefully when you receive a message from Connect CTY.

While all of these warning systems are designed to get you information and warnings as quickly as possible, we cannot stress enough the importance of personal preparedness. Make a plan for you and your loved ones that include contact information, meeting places, evacuation routes, etc. Then make a kit that has water, nonperishable food, and maps, contact lists, etc. For more information, the City’s Emergency Preparedness page on www.CityofSouthlake.com.

If you have any questions about emergency management please email or phone (817-748-8624) our Emergency Management Coordinator Ben Williamson and he will be happy to assist you.

Southlake Ice Storm Cleanup – Latest Information

TxDOT Sweep of road ice on SH 114 12/8/2013

TxDOT Sweep of road ice on SH 114 12/8/2013

UPDATE 12:55 p.m. 12/10 We would like to remind residents that for the week of Monday 12/9 – Friday 12/13, Republic Waste Services will resume all trash and recycling collection according to their typical schedule.

Due to the delayed pick ups at the end of last week, Republic anticipates an increased volume of trash and recycling throughout the week. As such, the collection of limbs, bagged leaves, or other debris may be delayed until later in the week. Questions should be directed to Republic Services at (817) 317-2424.

UPDATE 6:15 a.m. 12/9 City highways and roadways are beginning to clear but ice still remains in patches on major arterials and in sheets on neighborhood roads and parking lots.  Drivers are urged to use caution.  City of Southlake offices will open at 10:00 a.m. Monday, 12/9/2013, Tarrant County offices are scheduled to open at noon.

UPDATE 7:10 p.m. 12/8 Republic Services has advised the City that they are planning to run their regular schedule Monday 12/9.  Limbs and brush that have fallen as a result of the storm may not get picked up until the end of the week.  Republic would also like to remind customers who had their Friday pickup rescheduled that the new pick up day for trash is Tuesday 12/10.   Recycling is scheduled for pickup on Friday 12/13.

UPDATE 6:15 p.m. 12/8  City of Southlake  Community Services programs have been canceled for Monday evening 12/9.  For more information please click here.   The National Weather Service has issued a Freezing Fog Advisory for tonight until 10:00 a.m. Monday.

UPDATE 4:30 p.m. 12/8 TxDOT’s sweep team arrived in Southlake around 4:00 p.m.  The caravan swept SH 114 as part of a larger effort all over Tarrant County highways.  Temperatures are expected to dip below freezing again in the overnight hours so drivers will need to be careful tomorrow morning.

UPDATE 8:30 a.m. 12/8 TxDOT will use heavy machinery to sweep  SH 121 and SH 114 to help clear out of the ice.  They are asking all drivers to stay off the highways so they can complete their tasks quickly.  Many churches have either canceled services or are streaming them online.  The Freezing Fog Advisory has been extended to 12 noon for North Texas.  If you must be on the roads, drive slowly and use caution.

UPDATE 7:15 p.m. 12/7 The National Weather Service has issued a Freezing Fog Advisory for Southlake and much of the DFW metroplex until 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning.  This could bring a light layer of ice to the area.

UPDATE 3:45 p.m. 12/6 The National Weather Service has canceled the Winter Storm Warning that was to remain in effect until 6:00 p.m. Friday (12/6) evening.   Now they have issued a Hard Freeze Warning from midnight tonight to 9:00 a.m. Saturday (12/7).

First responders from the Southlake Police and Fire Departments have been keeping a close eye on conditions all day long.  While some of the ice on the roadways has turned to slush, temperatures remain below freezing.

“When the sun goes down, the temperatures will fall into the teens and ice and snow on the roads will re-freeze,” said Fire Chief Mike Starr.  “We are encouraging everyone to  keep that in mind and think twice before heading out on the roads this evening.”

“Since 6:30am, officers assisted 65 stranded motorists on area roadways to include SH 114. We are very grateful to citizens for heeding the warnings generated regarding weather and road conditions” said Police Chief Stephen Mylett. “For everyone’s safety, to include first responders, we continue to encourage citizens to stay off the roads as we expect ice conditions to continue through the weekend. If you have to be out, please drive slowly and defensively.”

The City of Southlake Public Works crews will continue sanding Southlake streets through out the weekend.  Drivers are asked to give the sand trucks a wide berth if they encounter them on the roadway.

UPDATE 3:00 p.m. 12/6:  The Southlake Library, the Bob Jones Nature Center and the  Southlake Tennis  Center will be closed Saturday, 12/7 because of the weather.

UPDATE  9:05 a.m. 12/6:  Due to the weather, Southlake Community Services has canceled Breakfast with Santa and the Youth basketball games that were scheduled for Saturday, 12/7.  For more information please click here.

UPDATE  8:45 a.m. 12/6: Tarrant County offices at Town Hall are closed today due to inclement weather.

UPDATE  7:00 a.m. 12/6:  Trash collection for 12/6 will be delayed until Tuesday, December 10th.  Recycling pickup is delayed until Friday, 12/13.

UPDATE 6:15 a.m. 12/6/2013:  City of Southlake offices are closed Friday, December 6, 2013 due to inclement weather.  The roads around Southlake are covered with up to an inch of  frozen precipitation.  Drivers are asked to stay off the roads if at all possible.

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(December 5, 2013) A Winter Storm Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service beginning Thursday(12/5) at 6 p.m. to remain in effect until Friday(12/6) at 6 p.m. Rain, and possibly sleet or ice, along with freezing temperatures are expected—which could create icy conditions. According to the current forecast, temperatures are expected to remain in the 20’s and 30’s for at least the next 48 hours.

The City of Southlake will be monitoring conditions throughout today and tomorrow, and will be sending out public works crews as needed to help keep area roads safe. Southlake first responders will also be on stand-by to respond to emergencies as needed.

“If you need to drive, please slow down, drive smart and exercise caution throughout the duration of this storm,” said Police Chief Stephen Mylett. “If you can, stay off the roads, we would like to see storm-related emergency calls kept to a minimum.”

Expected ice accumulations could cause hazardous road conditions throughout the duration of the storm. Should these conditions occur, it is advised that residents only drive in case of an emergency.

These conditions may result in a delay of trash and recycling collection on Friday(12/6). Residents will be notified of this delay by Friday morning.

Residents should be aware of the risk of branches breaking due to ice accumulation—which may cause power outages. Oncor advises everyone to have an emergency kit with flashlights and batteries and a plan to stay with friends or family that does have electricity in the event there is a widespread outage. Residents should stay at least 10 feet away from any area with fallen power lines. Please report fallen power lines to Oncor at 1-888-313-4747 or online at: http://stormcenter.oncor.com.

Southlake Fire Chief, Mike Starr, urges residents to be prepared, “Stock up on food, water, and other essentials before the storm hits. Also, make sure to fill gas tanks and keep food, water, and blankets in your vehicle in case of emergency.”

The City of Southlake is monitoring these conditions and will activate the Emergency Operations Center if needed. For the latest updates during this storm, visit www.CityofSouthlake.com and www.MySouthlakeNews.com, as well as our Facebook and Twitter pages.

For more information on how to be prepared in winter weather, please visit the City’s Office of Emergency Management webpage.

City of Southlake Closures as of 12/5 at 3:30 p.m.

Southlake Public Library: closing today at 5 p.m.
Southlake Tennis Center: closing today at 5 p.m.
Bob Jones Nature Center: closing today at 5 p.m.

All City events Thursday afternoon are canceled.