Wintry mix, extreme conditions predicted for next week

The weather in Texas is known to be as temperamental as a Foghorn Leghorn after catching a chicken hawk sneaking around the hen house.

This week has been no exception. We've had rain, wind which dropped temperatures below freezing a few nights, requiring gloves, double layers and coats in the morning and use of the air conditioner by midafternoon. Then, just as things warmed up Thursday, Mother Nature tossed sudden downbursts and high winds our way, just enough to prompt at tornador watch for the area and cause the temperature to plummet to 29 by daybreak.

As of 11 a.m. Friday, the mercury had only reached 33, which coupled with the 21-34 mile per hour winds made it feel only 22. And that's supposed to be warm compared to Sunday night and Monday, if the National Weather Service's predictions prove true. Beginning Sunday, the high isn't expected to be above freezing until Wednesday at the earliest, and lows in the teens, which coupled with windchills are expected to make things very frigid. Throw in potential snow and things could get real nasty. Those who can are urged to stay in, prepare in case the power goes out, taking safety measures to hazardous conditions.

Natural gas and electric service providers, weather forecasters and state emergency officials are urging people to be prepared at home as well as any required travel.

Most schools, state and federal offices will be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. East Caney Missionary Baptist Church and the African American Leadership Conference late Friday morning announced that their annual awards program planned Monday night, Jan. 15, in Sulphur Springs will be postponed as a precaution against participants possibly having to travel in bad weather.

For additional closure on Monday, Jan. 15, see Page 3.

Paris Junior College

Paris Junior College is supposed to begin the spring 2024 semester on Tuesday, but school officials Thursday afternoon reported that could change in the event of inclement weather.

'We will probably make a decision Monday evening about possible closure or late opening,' said Dr. Jerry King, PJC interim president. 'We know many students have to travel a distance and we want to be sure they can do it safely.'

Spring registration is continuing, and PJC is staying open Tuesday through Thursday until 6 p.m. next week to help students get the classes they need. The process may be speeded up by applying online at www. parisjc.edu/apply.Registration questions may be answered at apply@parisjc. edu or by calling 903-7820425 in Paris, 903-454-9333 in Greenville, or 903-8851232 in Sulphur Springs.

Any decision about delayed openings or closures will be reported at www. parisjc.edu, PJC social media, local media outlets, and Dragon Alerts to students and employees who signed up to recieve them.

Schools

Other local schools districts will also use similar means to notify students, staff and parents in the event of closures or delayed starts next week.