UPDATED 3:17 P.M. ON TUESDAY, JAN. 31 - A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 6 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2. According to the National Weather Service, widespread icing on bridges and overpasses as well as surface streets is expected with travel significantly impacted. There is a low threat of damage to power-lines and trees due to icing as well. Avoid travel if you can. If you have to get out on roads, slow down and make sure to give yourself ample travel time.
Facility closures
To help ensure the safety of visitors and staff, all City of Allen facilities are closed to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 31 and Wednesday, Feb.1. Any additional impact to City of Allen facility hours/operations will be posted below and on the City of Allen's Facebook page.
- Allen City Hall: The City Hall complex is closed to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday. Staff is available by phone and email, and many services can be completed online.
- Allen Municipal Court: All in-person dockets scheduled for Jan. 31 will be rescheduled for the next available date. Virtual dockets will proceed as scheduled. Citizens can still make payments, submit documents and complete other services online on the Municipal Court website. Staff are available to answer phones and emails during normal business hours.
- Allen Public Library: Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. No materials due during this time.
- Allen Animal Shelter: Closed to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday. For animal control concerns, please contact 214.509.4378 or use the MyAllen app to report common issues.
- Allen Parks & Recreation facilities: Allen Community Ice Rink, Allen Senior Recreation Center, Don Rodenbaugh Aquatics Center, Joe Farmer Recreation Center, The Edge and The Courses at Watters Creek are closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Allen Police Department Records Unit: Office closed to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday. Please email policerecords@cityofallen.org or call 214.509.4350 to leave a message.
Waste Services delays
- Trash/Recycling Collection: Community Waste Disposal (CWD) has suspended trash/recycling collection on Wednesday, Feb. 1, due to weather conditions. CWD will provide an information on the makeup schedule once it's finalized.
- HHW Collection: Customers with HHW collection scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 31 or Wednesday, Feb. 1 will be rescheduled.
Road conditions and pre-treatment
The City of Allen gives priority attention to bridges, intersections and main thoroughfares when preparing for potentially icy conditions. The City does not have the resources to treat all residential/neighborhood streets during snow and ice events. If you must travel during icy conditions, drive slowly and allow for extra travel time.
Pipes at risk due to prolonged cold
A long duration of below freezing temperatures may damage exposed outdoor pipes and cause them to burst. Cover outdoor pipes, and leave indoor faucets on a very slow drip. Locate your water shut-off valve and know how to turn it off, and don't forget to turn off sprinklers! You can report water/sewer leaks and request an emergency water shutoff by calling our 24-hour Water/Sewer Emergency Line at 214.509.4530.
VIDEO: How to locate your water shutoff valve and turn off water at the meter
Note: These same steps may be used for all City of Allen residential meters, including new smart water meters.
Know how to report power outages
Don't call 9-1-1 if your power goes out! Contact your power company to report the outage using the information found on your monthly statement. If you see fallen power lines on a road, alley or sidewalk, call 9-1-1 before contacting the power company.
- CoServ: Report power outages by texting OUT to 855.938.3496. You can get updates on the outage by texting STATUS to the same number. You can also call 844.330.0762 and bookmark CoServ.com/OutageMap for estimated restoration times and other updates.
- ONCOR: Report an outage to Oncor by calling 888.313.4747, by texting OUT to 66267 or by downloading the Oncor mobile app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. You can also view Oncor's outage map or enroll in Oncor alerts to get current information about outages and restoration times.
- GCEC: Report power outages by texting OUT to 855.939.3826. You can get updates on the outage by texting STATUS to the same number. You can report an outage by completing a New Outage Form online and can view the Outage Map for status updates.
Overnight warming shelters
The Salvation Army offers two overnight warming shelters in Collin County. Check the status of the McKinney warming shelter (600 Wilson Creek Pkwy., McKinney) by calling 214-945-4637. The Plano overnight warming shelter (3528 14th St., Plano) can be reached at 972-423-8254.
Stay connected for closure, emergency information
CityofAllen.org is the primary source of closure and emergency information for the City of Allen. Citizens can also enroll in Hyper-Reach Emergency Notifications to get rapid alerts about urgent situations with a telephone call, text and/or email message. During emergencies, the primary social media channel used to share information is the City of Allen Facebook page.