City of Waco, TX

01/26/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/26/2026 16:53

Winter Weather, Street & Building Closures

Winter Weather, Street & Building Closures

Published on January 26, 2026

Due to the ongoing winter weather, City of Waco non-essential services will remain closed on Tuesday, January 27. Some departments will have an alternate start time. Essential services will run as usual.

Follow the City of Waco on social media for weather updates as needed:

Tuesday: Closures

  • Cameron Park Zoo
  • City Hall
  • Cobbs Recycling Center
  • Cottonwood Creek Golf Course
  • Community Centers
  • Doris Miller Pool
  • Dr. Mae Jackson Development Center
  • Housing & Community Development
  • Lake Waco Wetlands
  • Rental Facilities
  • Riverbend Park
  • Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum
  • Waco Convention Center
  • Waco Mammoth National Monument
  • Waco-McLennan County Library Branches
  • Waco-McLennan Public Health
  • Waco Municipal Court
  • Waco Parks & Rec Administration
  • Waco Welcome Center
  • Water Office Drive-Thru

Tuesday: Alternate Schedules

  • Pet Circle Regional Animal Center will operate at regular hours (noon - 6 p.m.)
  • Waco Regional Airport open at noon
  • Waco Transit will start at 10:15 a.m.
  • Solid Waste Pickups as scheduled
  • 948A landfill, 2400 Landfill, and Transfer Station will open as normal

Street Closures

For safety reasons, the following roads are closed:

  • Washington Ave. Bridge
  • Lake Shore Drive from Hilltop Dr. to Mt. Carmel Dr.
  • Cameron Park Drive from Redwood Shelter to Lover's Leap
  • Rambler Road from Country Club to Edmond

Warming Centers

Open through noon on Tuesday, January 27th.

Due to predicted low temperatures, the City of Waco and the Waco-McLennan County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) are offering warming centers at:

All individuals who need a safe, warm environment are welcome, including those who may be at risk due to the extreme cold.

  • Cots, blankets, and bottled water are available.
  • Pets welcome (crates required, please).
  • Security personnel on-site.

Report Any Damage

This survey will help state and local emergency management officials identify and gain an understanding of damages from the recent storms.

Reporting damages to Emergency Management is a voluntary activity, is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency, and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.

Report Your Damages

Winter Weather Information

  • Call (254) 299-CITY (2489) to report any water leaks.
  • Monday trash pickups will be picked up on Wednesday, Jan. 28th.
  • Tuesday trash pickups will have a late start, please make sure your carts are out and ready.
  • Traffic lights: if you experience power outages, always approach them slowly and treat them as four-way stops.
    • Please stay off the roads if the ice accumulates.
  • Temperatures are stable at the Pet Circle Regional Animal Center, and the kennels are cared for with staff on hand.
    • Bring your pets inside as temperatures fall.
    • Can you help foster a pup for the weekend? It would help our staff! Call (254) 750-7076 for information.
    • To report animal neglect, please call (254) 750-7500 with detailed information, including location.
  • Sign up for emergency alerts from the Office of Emergency Management. Create an account, and enable alerts.

Protecting Your Pipes at Home

Before the freeze

  • Insulate exposed pipes (especially in attics, garages, crawl spaces, and exterior walls)
  • Cover outdoor faucets with an insulated faucet cover
  • Disconnect garden hoses and drain them
  • Shut off and drain outdoor water lines if you have a separate shut-off valve
  • Seal air leaks around pipes (caulk/foam around gaps near windows, doors, and where pipes enter walls)
  • Keep the garage door closed if water lines run through the garage

During the freeze

  • Let faucets drip (a slow, steady drip from the hot and cold side helps prevent freezing)
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate Keep your heat on (don't turn the thermostat way down overnight)
  • Use safe space heating if needed (never leave heaters unattended)

If you'll be away

  • Shut off the main water supply if possible
  • Drain the system (or have someone check the home regularly)

If a pipe freezes

  • Turn water off immediately if a pipe is cracked or leaking
  • Thaw carefully using a hair dryer or warm towels (never use an open flame)
  • Start thawing near the faucet end and work toward the frozen section

Cold Weather Fire Protection Advisory

As temperatures drop, the Waco Fire Department is receiving questions about whether fire protection systems-such as sprinkler systems, fire pumps, or standpipes-should be shut off to prevent pipes from freezing.

Fire protection systems should not be disabled.

Turning off these systems creates a serious life-safety risk and leaves buildings unprotected in the event of a fire. Even a short period without an active fire protection system can result in increased property damage, injury, or loss of life.

Instead of disabling systems, property owners and managers are strongly encouraged to:

  • Ensure buildings are properly heated
  • Insulate exposed piping
  • Use approved freeze-protection methods
  • Monitor systems regularly during freezing conditions

If a fire protection system becomes impaired or must be taken out of service for any reason, the Waco Fire Department should be notified immediately so appropriate safety measures can be implemented.

For questions or guidance, property owners should contact a licensed fire protection professional or reach out to the Waco Fire Department for assistance.

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City of Waco, TX published this content on January 26, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 26, 2026 at 22:53 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]