The National Weather Service has reported a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow across South Texas, creating hazardous driving conditions. As a result, the City of Corpus Christi instructs non-essential employees to stay home today and resume regular operations tomorrow. Here’s a breakdown of the City’s actions to ensure the safety of residents during this cold weather event.
Cold Weather Refuge Center Remains Open
While all City daytime warming centers are closed due to the wintry mix weather, the City’s overnight Cold Weather Refuge Center at 3203 Cabaniss Parkway continues to operate. This facility will also provide a warming center option during the day, offering those in need a safe and warm environment.
The Refuge Center, which opened on January 19, has provided food and shelter to 125 individuals so far. The City offers meals, while the Salvation Army provides snacks and drinks. This center is not a long-term shelter, but the City partners with organizations like the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, Mother Teresa Shelter, and Dismas Charities to provide showers, hygiene services, and clothing assistance.
Free Transportation Options to the Refuge Center
The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) ensures residents can access the Cold Weather Refuge Center by offering free transportation from noon Tuesday to 11:00 p.m.
- A dedicated bus runs directly to the Refuge Centre from the N. Staples Street bus station (across from City Hall).
- Riders can take Route 15 to the Carroll High School bus stop at Saratoga and Kostoryz. From there, a shuttle will transport riders to the Refuge Center.
Pets are welcome on CCRTA buses as long as they are secured. For more details, visit the CCRTA website at https://www.ccrta.org.
Assistance from the Corpus Christi Police Department
The Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) also steers residents to warming centers, the Refuge Center, or homeless shelters. To arrange transportation, residents can call the CCPD Non-Emergency Police line at (361) 886-2600.
Pet Safety Guidelines
As temperatures remain below freezing, the City reminds pet owners of their responsibility to bring animals indoors when the “feel-like” temperature drops below 32 degrees, as the City Ordinance requires.
Animal Care Services (ACS) officers will be on patrol to respond to reports of pets without proper shelter. Officers will educate owners about cold weather pet care and, if necessary, take appropriate action to protect animals in unsafe conditions.
To report a pet in need, residents can call 3-1-1 during regular business hours or the CCPD Non-Emergency Police line after hours at (361) 886-2600.
Emergency Response Efforts
The City’s Emergency Response Team began planning for this cold weather event on January 13. It will monitor conditions until the “feel-like” temperature rises above freezing.
Residents are encouraged to stay off icy roads and prioritize safety during this winter weather advisory.