It's bad here in central Texas, historic winter lows, ice, snow. Already had a major ice storm resulting in the usual - accidents, trees and utility poles down and the worse is yet to come beginning about 6:00 p.m. tonight with the arrival of the 3rd winter storm out of 5 to move thru. Have not been above freezing for days which will not let up until Friday. New lows of 2F and 3F coming - unprecedented for us. Predictions is for up to 6" of snow tonight with sleet.
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Fredericksburg&state=TX&site=EWX&lat=30.2705&lon=-98.8722No way to get into town for a generator and such but I did fill up the big propane tank that services the greenhouse, but the main overhead fan driven heater relies on electricity which we constantly lose with utility failures and maybe brownouts which are forecasted for the next few days.
I have three filled 20# tanks, a free standing 80K BTU heater and a 15K BTU tank top heater in the greenhouse but no way to circulate the air if we lose electricity. Am taking cuttings, mulching the trunks, etc. Took me a while to get in the greenhouse thanks to 3" of ice blocking the door and everything frozen shut. So far all is well regarding my stock.
V.D. weekend is a big money maker for town, it's dead. 55+ wineries, breweries, restaurants, lodging, etc. big loss. Feel for them after all this Covid stuff although Texas is open in that regard.
After the heater failure in 2018 and a big loss don't know if I can do this again. My vineyard is probably toast.
Wish us Texan tropical fruit growers luck!
