City Issues Winter Weather Update
City officials in Sweetwater issued a winter weather update Friday, January 23, urging residents to prepare for dangerous cold, icy conditions, and potential service disruptions through early next week. The City Landfill and Recycling Center will be closed on Saturday, January 24, and Monday, January 26, while Republic Services trash collection will operate on an adjusted schedule. Friday collection routes will begin early at 4:30 a.m., and Monday routes are expected to run as scheduled if road conditions allow. If streets remain hazardous, Monday service will shift to a one-day delay. Residents are encouraged to place carts out as usual but to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly during early morning and nighttime hours when ice is most likely to form.
To support residents who may be without adequate heat, a community warming shelter has opened at The SHOP, 509 Locust. The shelter opened at 10:00 a.m. Friday and will remain open 24 hours a day through Tuesday, January 27. City officials stress that no one should attempt to endure freezing temperatures alone and encourage residents to check on elderly neighbors, those with disabilities, and anyone experiencing heating issues. Officials also remind residents to protect their homes by insulating exposed pipes, allowing faucets to drip during extreme cold, opening cabinet doors to circulate warm air, and knowing how to safely shut off water in the event of a burst pipe. Space heaters should be used with caution, kept at least three feet away from flammable materials, and never left unattended.
Additional safety guidance includes bringing pets indoors, providing adequate shelter and unfrozen water for animals, and covering or moving sensitive plants. Residents who must drive should reduce speed, increase following distance, and carry emergency supplies such as blankets, water, and a fully charged phone. Carbon monoxide risks also increase during winter storms, and officials warn against using generators, grills, or gas appliances indoors. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by signing up for emergency alerts and city updates through Nixle by texting 79556 to 888-777. City officials note that updates will continue as conditions evolve and ask residents to monitor local announcements throughout the winter weather event.