Cass County deals with freezing temperatures

On December 20, local power companies issued warnings that there might be power outages with the severe cold temperatures coming over the weekend. The Cold weather started on Friday with frigid lows of 9 degrees and a high of 25. Friday even teased the community of a white Christmas with light snowflakes dropping in the afternoon as people rushed to get last-minute Christmas shopping done and meals planned.

As temperatures began to drop fast on Thursday the Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens issued warnings to the outdoor enthusiasts in the area after Game Wardens from Harrison and Marion Counties responded to Caddo Lake in reference to an overdue boater at approximately 4:45 pm. The Wardens located 2 adult males, Porter and Adam Terry 18 and 21 from Vivian LA at approximately 6:30 p.m. and transported the two boaters to safety. The individuals were cold but otherwise unharmed. “TPWD would like to remind all outdoor enthusiasts to always let someone know where you will be and when you should return. As well as take in consideration weather changes.”

As the cold weather lingered over the weekend power outages were reported from areas around Cass County. On December 23, SWEPCO reported “as of 2:30 p.m., approximately 3,900 customers remain without power in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas. Crews continue to work quickly and as safely as possible to restore electricity after a winter storm brought strong winds and extreme cold through the region. At peak, more than 12,200 customers were without power between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Friday.

Estimated times of restoration for 95% of customers in these areas are as follows: Shreveport/Bossier, Louisiana: 10 p.m. today, Dec. 23; Haughton, Louisiana: 11:59 p.m. today, Dec. 23; Vivian/Plain Dealing, Louisiana: 5 p.m. today, Dec. 23; Natchitoches, Louisiana: 5 p.m. today, Dec. 23 (Updated); Hornbeck, Louisiana: 5 p.m. today, Dec. 23; Mansfield/Logansport, Louisiana: 5 p.m. today, Dec. 23 (Updated) and Longview, Texas: 8 p.m. today, Dec. 23 The Journal-Sun received no reports of outages in the area, however, SWEPCO still encouraged customer conservation. “Below-freezing temperatures and windy conditions are expected throughout the day and overnight for our region. As we continue to restore power to customers, we are asking those who have power to consider conserving where they can.

Limiting power usage as much as possible helps us be more efficient in restoring service to others during these conditions.

Some directions they gave customers included: Turn off or unplug appliances and lights not being used; Lower your thermostat a few degrees; Limit space heaters where possible; Let the sunshine in to help naturally heat your home and close shades that don’t have sunshine to keep heat in.

Though temperatures began to increase slightly over the weekend, they stayed around freezing. On Saturday with a low of 18 and a high of 37. Sunday warmed up again slightly with a low of 23 and a high of 48. Temperatures will continue to rise this week and by the time Sunday hits, forecasters are estimating temperatures of 71 degrees on Sunday.

With the freezing temperatures, at least one local church reported that they opened up their church to the homeless in the community for those who otherwise would have been left outside in freezing temperatures. Four families stayed at the church over the weekend.