The original item was published from 2/17/2021 8:00:00 PM to 2/17/2021 8:01:08 PM.

News Flash

Community News and Updates

Posted on: February 14, 2021

[ARCHIVED] WINTER STORM UPDATE: trash, water, pipes, power & neighborly love

Please be patient and know City Administration, Public Works and Emergency Management personnel are working as fast as possible to maintain and restore city services. Cold temps and dangerous conditions are forecast through Thursday, February 18, 2021.

Update 7:45 p.m. Feb 17, 2021Whew! Today was wild, La Marque. Cities across Texas faced water pressure issues and boil water notices. Warming daytime temperatures thawed water lines, causing leaks all over town. We still don't have firm estimates for when power will be restored, but it's not all bad news. Today we saw our community pull together. La Marque's neighborly love inspired us. Our elected officials stepped up, City Administration came through and Emergency Management held strong. Thankfully, some of our citizens had the power come back on. Please check out our evening update. 
TRASH 
Waste Management will resume trash and recycling service Thursday, February 18, 2021. Pickup will be on your next normal service day. We are anticipating delays due to increased volume. If they don't make it to your house, the route will be completed the following day. By Saturday, we should be completely caught up.
POWER
Our outlook is improving across the city. Several neighborhoods got power back around 5:00 p.m. this evening, and power is back on at the Central Fire Station. Today County Judge Mark Henry mentioned outages could extend through Saturday. We don't have solid updates from state officials. We remain hopeful.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The Wastewater Treatment Plant lost power yesterday. Public Works was able to secure a generator, and the plant is fully operational again as of 5:00 p.m. this evening. Crews will work on getting lift stations online through the night. This is GREAT NEWS, La Marque. This means your raw sewage will get where it needs to go with no interruption in service. 
WATER PRESSURE
We are aware that water pressure is low across the city. Two of three wells are currently in service, which will help stabilize pressure for the people of La Marque. The third well is expected to come online tonight. While we're on well water, water could look and smell different than normal. This is temporary until we can get all the water lines breaks across town repaired. 
BROKEN WATER LINES
Moving forward, please direct all calls for utility emergencies, broken water lines and questions about the boil water notice to La Marque Public Works at 409-938-9280.
If you get voicemail, please leave a message. If the line is busy, please try again. We are asking for patience and kindness. Unfortunately, we are facing an uphill battle over the next few days. As water lines thaw, we expect more ruptures.
BOIL WATER NOTICE
The City of La Marque issued a boil water notice on February 17, 2021. Water for drinking, cooking and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to human consumption. We realize many citizens have no power. Use bottled water if you are not able to boil.
CONSERVE 
Please reduce water usage and conserve. Only use water if it's essential for health and safety. Do not drip faucets unless temps drip below freezing. If you have a leak, shut off water to your home as soon as possible. If you are not able to make the repairs, call a licensed plumber. If you have a leak and are unable to shut off the water supply, call La Marque Public Works at 409-938-9280.
FORECAST
Today brought dreary rain, but we stayed above freezing. Tomorrow skies will be cloudy and we will likely dip back down below freezing. Please continue to protect the 4Ps - People, Pipes, Pets and Plants. 
Friday, the skies start to clear. We have a strong possibility for freeze during the early morning hours Friday and then a warmup through the weekend. As pipes begin to thaw Friday and Saturday, expect more leaks. Follow US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas
 for reliable updates. 
WARMING STATION
The warming center is still open at Blocker Middle School Gym. It will remain open until 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 18, 2021.
CITY OPERATIONS
City of La Marque non-emergency offices will remain closed Thursday, February 18, 2021. There is still no power at City Hall, so we'd have to run off generators with spotty internet. Late fee and bill payment updates will be posted ASAP. 
HERE IF YOU NEED US
To report utility emergencies, such as a broken water main, call La Marque Public Works at 409-932-9280. Reach out to us on social media. Contact your Councilperson with questions. We're all here for you.

Update 6:15 p.m. Feb 17, 2021Waste Management will resume trash and recycling service Thursday, February 18, 2021. Pickup will be on your normal service day.
We are anticipating delays due to increased volume. Areas we are unable to complete will be completed the following day. By Saturday, we should be completely caught up.

Update 6:30 p.m. Feb 16, 2021We are in this together, La Marque. Please be patient and know City Administration, Public Works and Emergency Management personnel are working as fast as possible to maintain and restore city services. We're asking for your help. Check on your neighbors and help those in need as we brace for another round of winter weather. See below for our evening update. 

POWER
The ongoing power outage seems to be getting worse for La Marque. Today, power was cut to several subdivisions, as well as vital city infrastructure. Public Works is searching for a generator strong enough to keep the city sewer fully operational. City Administration is in constant contact with power companies, demanding better for our community. Unfortunately, we have no timelines for power restoration at the time of this post. 

WATER PRESSURE & BROKEN LINES
As temperatures rise above freezing, thawing water lines tend to rupture. If this happens at your home, find the water supply valve and shut it off until you can make the necessary repairs. If you have a leak and cannot shut off the water supply, call LMPD Dispatch at 409-938-9269, option 4. A Public Works crew will come shut off the main water supply from the street as soon as possible. 

If you have no water, your service line is likely frozen. If you have low water pressure, there's probably a water leak near your home. Please be patient. We expect hundreds of residential water line breaks over the next two days. 

City crews are working as fast as they can to maintain service. The City's water systems are functioning, and we're addressing infrastructure issues as quickly as possible. 

FORECAST
Expect near-freezing temps again tonight. Thunderstorms and cold rain are expected to arrive during the early morning hours tomorrow, Wednesday, February 17, 2021, and continue throughout the day. 

Temperatures should creep up to the 40s in our region, which could cause more water lines to rupture. Freezing rain is expected north of Houston, which could negatively impact the ongoing power outage. 

Thursday brings windy conditions and a forecast low in the 20s. Icing is possible, and the threat to pipes and infrastructure continues. 

Friday brings sunshine, and Saturday should be in the high 50s.

TRASH COLLECTION
Waste Management canceled the trash service for Wednesday, February 17, 2021. Weather permitting, customers will receive garbage collection on their next service day.

CITY OPERATIONS
In an effort to reduce power consumption, City of La Marque non-emergency offices will remain closed Wednesday, February 17, 2021. The loss of power has knocked out internet and systems required to take utility bill payments. Late fees will be waived until citizens can safely access City Hall.

WARMING STATION
City Administration worked with TCISD to extend the warming center at Blocker Middle School Gym until noon on Wednesday. La Marque citizens are welcome to stop by, warm up and charge devices. This center is not a shelter, and it will not have amenities like food or beds.

TRAVEL 
Most roads are safe and passable in La Marque. Please use caution when traveling over bridges and overpasses until the threat of freezing temperatures has passed.  

HERE IF YOU NEED US
For emergencies, dial 911. To report utility emergencies, such as a broken water main, call LMPD Dispatch at 409-938-9269, option 4.

Water Pressure and Broken Water Pipes Update 3:45 a.m. Feb 16, 2021The City is receiving hundreds of phone calls related to water pressure and water line breaks. 
As temperatures rise above freezing, thawing water lines tend to rupture.
If this happens at your home, find the water supply valve and shut it off until you can make necessary repairs. Supply valves are commonly located on the right side of your home on the same side as your water meter. Look inside or near the garage and near an exterior spigot.
If you have a leak and are unable to shut off the water supply, call LMPD Dispatch at 409-938-9269, option 4. A Public Works crew will come shut off the main water supply from the street as soon as they are able. 
If you have no water, your service line is likely frozen. The City's water systems are functioning and we're addressing infrastructure issues on the city side as quickly as possible. 
Please be patient. We expect hundreds of residential water line breaks over the next two days. City crews and emergency management personnel are working as fast as they can to restore and maintain city services.
Update 10:00 a.m. Feb 16, 2021
City of La Marque non-emergency offices will remain closed today, Tuesday, February 16, 2021. 
As of 10:00 a.m., the City of La Marque's water delivery system is fully functional. If you have low or no water pressure, your pipes are likely frozen. 
Another winter storm is coming our way, which is expected to bring thunderstorms and rain on Wednesday. Another dip below freezing is possible Thursday, which could cause icing. Stay weather aware, La Marque. Warmer temperatures are expected Friday through the weekend.
Power companies are working hard to restore service to customers across the state. For La Marque, we expect restoration of about 10 percent of customers. We will post updates as they become available. 
We will send another update this evening, including expectations for trash service.
Update 7:10 p.m. Feb 15, 2021Citizens are reporting low water pressure. This is not unique to La Marque. Freezing temperatures and power outages are impacting municipalities across the state. Public Works is working around the clock. We're fighting to keep the water flowing, La Marque. Please be patient with us. We understand your frustration and we're on it.
Update 6:30 p.m. Feb 15, 2021A warming station was to be open at La Marque High School Gym at 6:30 p.m. Unfortunately, power went down at the gym around 6:20 p.m. We are working on Plan B. In the meantime, please warm up in your vehicles if possible.
Update 4:00 p.m. Feb 15, 2021Prepare for icing overnight and a dip in temperatures that will set record lows for our area. Please stay off the roads. City non-emergency offices will have a two-hour delay for opening, Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Trash collection is canceled for Tuesday and La Marque Emergency Operations is preparing for another round of storms Wednesday. Concerns for bursting pipes and damage to infrastructure continue as we brace for freezing weather through Thursday night.
FORECAST
Temperatures have hovered in the 20s today and will drop down to the teens overnight. Wind chill takes temps down near zero. Any melting that occurs today will turn into ice overnight. The risk of pipes bursting and damage to infrastructure continues.
Another winter storm is coming our way, which is expected to bring thunderstorms and rain to our region Wednesday. We could see warmer temps Wednesday and then dip back down below freezing on Thursday, which could cause icing. Stay weather aware, La Marque.
Warmer weather is expected Friday through the weekend.
TRASH COLLECTION
Waste Management canceled trash service for Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Weather permitting, customers will receive garbage collection on their next service day.
STAY HOME
Roads are extremely hazardous. Citizens are urged to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel. Conditions are favorable for black ice, and many traffic lights are without power.
POWER
Last night, 2.8 million customers were without power across the state. Texas is under an Energy Emergency Alert, declared by the Electric Reliability Council. Unfortunately, City officials don't have definite timelines for when customers can expect power to be restored but we're hoping for early Tuesday. We are in constant communication with the power companies, and they are doing everything they can to restore service. Additional outages are expected tonight. 
PIPES
Citizens are reporting low or no water pressure. We have backup generators operating at our facilities, and the equipment is fully functional at this time. If you have no or slow water pressure, your pipes are likely frozen. It will be difficult to thaw water lines until temps come above freezing but some citizens have reported success using blow dryers to heat pipes. 
Even if water lines are frozen, leave the faucet open to a slow drip so water can flow when temps rise above freezing. This could help prevent pipes from bursting.
CITY OPERATIONS
City of La Marque non-emergency offices will have a two-hour delayed start on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Late fees for utility bills will be waived until citizens can safely access City Hall. Visit UB.cityoflamarque.org for online payment options.
WARMING STATION
A warming station will be open at La Marque High School Gym from 6:30 p.m. Monday, February 15 to noon on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Please use extreme caution if you decide to travel to the warming station. If the gym loses power, facilities will close. No bedding will be provided as this is not intended to be an overnight shelter. Citizens are invited to come in and warm up if needed. 
HERE IF YOU NEED US
For emergencies, dial 911. To report utility emergencies, such as a broken water main, call LMPD Dispatch at 409-938-9269.
EMAIL YOUR PHOTOS
We want to see your winter wonderland photos, La Marque. Email snow and ice pics to cmartin@cityoflamarque.org or text 409-795-0165 if you want to be included in a photo album on our page later this week.

Update 8:00 AM Feb 15, 2021The City of La Marque is in contact with local electrical companies. Power will be restored as soon as possible. Travel is extremely dangerous. Stay home. City non-emergency offices are closed today, Monday, February 15, 2021.
POWER 
There is one power line down in La Marque. Repairs are underway. Follow Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP)
 on social media or visit tnmp.com for updates.
Texas is under an Energy Emergency Alert, declared by the Electric Reliability Council. Rolling power outages are ongoing to reduce demand on the electric system. The goal is temporary outages lasting 15 minutes at a time, but some customers in our area have been without power since about 2:00 a.m. Grid operators and electric companies are fighting to restore power at this time. 
STAY HOME
Roads are extremely hazardous. Citizens are urged to stay home. Roads and overpasses are covered ice, and many traffic lights are without power. 
CITY OPERATIONS 
City of La Marque non-emergency offices are closed today, Monday, February 15, 2021. Today is a due date for utility bills. Late fees will be waived until the storm passes. 
HERE IF YOU NEED US
For emergencies, dial 911. To report utility emergencies, such as a broken water main, call LMPD Dispatch at 409-938-9269. Stay safe, La Marque. 
EMAIL YOUR PHOTOS 
We want to see your winter wonderland photos, La Marque. Email snow and ice pics to cmartin@cityoflamarque.org or text 409-795-0165 if you want to be included in a photo album on our Facebook page later this week.

Original PostFEBRUARY 2021 WINTER STORM UPDATE
The State of Texas is under a winter storm warning, wind chill warning and freeze warning. Please take precautions to keep your family safe and warm. Stay off the roads if possible, especially Sunday evening through Tuesday morning. Remember the 4 Ps - people, pets, pipes and plants. Cold temps and dangerous conditions are forecast through Thursday, February 18, 2021.

TRASH COLLECTION 
Due to the inclement weather, Waste Management is suspending service for Monday, February 15, 2021. Weather permitting, Monday customers will receive garbage collection on their next service day. 

CITY OPERATIONS 
City of La Marque's Emergency Management, Public Safety and Public Works employees are preparing for potential impacts and will be working through the storm. Non-emergency operations will have a two-hour delayed opening Monday, February 15, 2021, which could be extended depending on weather conditions. Monday is a due date for utility bills. Late fees will be waived until the storm passes. 

WATER PRESSURE
The water leak at Nashby & Edgar has been repaired. Citizens and businesses across town have normal water pressure at the time of this update. 

PIPES  
Please prepare your home for freezing temperatures by wrapping exterior pipes. Use insulation or old towels and then secure with duct tape or twine. Leave faucets on a slow drip when temperatures are below freezing. 

POWER 
Several factors contribute to the loss of power during winter storms, including extra pull on the grid, extra weight on the power lines created by icy precipitation and high winds. Should a power outage occur, check the Texas-New Mexico Power Outage map for updates. 

Please be prepared for power outages. Check flashlights and lanterns in advance. Ensure you have fresh batteries for flashlights and hand-held radios. Charge phones, tablets, entertainment for children, etc. Confirm backup plans if anyone in your home depends on powered medical equipment.

TRAVEL 
Citizens are urged to stay off the roads. Please avoid unnecessary travel. Roads and overpasses will be covered in ice and driving conditions will be dangerous. 

ICE AND SNOW
Ice accumulation is expected in our area due to freezing rain. There is a slight chance of snow in La Marque. Areas north of Houston could see 4 to 6 inches of snow. 

WARMING STATIONS 
City of La Marque has established two warming centers within our city limits should we experience prolonged power outages. Updates will be provided should the need arise. 

HERE IF YOU NEED US
For emergencies, dial 911. To report utility emergencies, such as a broken water main, call LMPD Dispatch at 409-938-9269. Stay safe and warm, La Marque.