City responds to residents’ needs during Winter Storm Fern

On Friday, Jan. 23, the City of Fort Worth and the rest of North Texas began experiencing extreme cold and winter weather. Amid wind chills as cold as -5 degrees, along with ice and snow accumulations, the City assisted the community while experiencing over 80 hours of below-freezing temperatures. Gov. Greg Abbot signed a disaster declaration for 134 counties, including Tarrant County.

During weather events, the City focuses on prioritizing public safety; maintaining essential services for the community; caring for at-risk populations; reducing impacts; and maintaining clear and consistent communications that inform and educate residents. The City continually updated its Winter Weather 2026 page, providing timely updates and helpful information for residents to prepare for and ride out the storm.

Once the temperature drops below freezing, the City activates shelter operations to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Between regular emergency overnight shelters, Presbyterian Night Shelter, Union Gospel Mission, the Salvation Army and the City’s emergency overflow shelter, the City was able to shelter more than 1,200 people on the night of Monday, Jan. 26, alone. Of that number, 195 were in emergency overflow shelters. Trinity Metro assisted with 138 transports from community centers to emergency overnight shelters.

Between regular emergency overnight shelters and emergency overflow shelters, more than 1,000 individuals have been sheltered every night during the winter storm. The overflow shelter will continue operating until overnight temperatures rise above 35 degrees.

Other notable updates include:

The Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) managed 21 motor vehicle accidents and assisted 71 stranded motorists. They also addressed 19 weather-related traffic incidents.

The Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD) successfully managed six fires and facilitated 1,737 calls for EMS and FWFD.

Oncor is currently servicing 445 power outages.

The City’s 311 Call Center received a total of 2,028 service requests.

Emergency Communications responded to 6,131 calls for assistance from the community.

The City’s Transportation & Public Works Department applied 3,700 gallons of brine and 1,600 tons of salt/sand mix to City streets.

The Water Department is addressing an average of three water main breaks per day.

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