Officials, Residents Prep For Expected ‘Major Winter Storm’

EL PASO, Tx. – All city and county agencies say they are preparing for a blast of winter weather, expected to hit the Borderland Thursday night.

Emergency managers had several meetings and have been preparing in case they need to act on long-standing emergency plans. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDoT) is working with the city on the area’s ‘Ice Plan.’

The plan aims to keep primary and secondary roads clear. TxDoT officials say they have crews and equipment at the ready along with de-icing materials pre-positioned for use if necessary.

City officials say emergency plans are in place, but they have not opened the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).However,officials add that they areready to do so at a moments notice.

EOC’s Lt. Danny Medrano tells ABC-7, “If it gets to the point where first responders…mainly police, fire, EMS is being taxed too much within the city, then we make the decision to open the Emergency Operations Center and start working out of that center downtown.”

According to StormTRACK Metorologist”Doppler” Dave Speelman, the areawon’t get much ice, but it might be just enough to down a few power lines.

Officials say residents may want to think about how they’ll get by for a few days if the power goes out.

The American Red Cross has a list of itemsthey recommend peoplepick up in the face of a winter storm.

non-perishable food items: things like bread, maybe peanut butter, canned foods. a manual can-opener. a gallon of bottled water per person per day for three days — just in case.

ABC-7 talked to the manager of Super Target on the far east side of the city, who reported that residents have been stopping by to pick up a few severe weather essentials.

ABC-7 will have full updates on this storm via our regular newscasts, here on kvia.com and via web-enabled devices on kviatogo.com