San Antonio prepares for a weekend cold snap as city agencies and volunteers ramp up efforts to protect residents and prevent disruptions, urging caution on roads.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio residents are being urged to prepare ahead of colder temperatures expected to move into the area this weekend, as city agencies and utility crews step up readiness efforts across south Texas.
Transportation and energy officials say preparations are already underway, from protecting roadways to reducing the risk of power outages.
The Texas Department of Transportation told KENS 5 it plans to begin pre-treating roads on Thursday, while CPS Energy crews are trimming vegetation away from power lines. Other agencies say their focus is ensuring residents, especially the most vulnerable, are safe during the cold snap.
For those experiencing homelessness, local organizations are expanding outreach. Volunteers with the Salvation Army were seen packing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as part of efforts to provide food and warmth to people living on the streets.
“We’ll probably serve anywhere between 100 to 200 individuals,” said Brad Mayhar, a representative with the Salvation Army.
Volunteers are also sharing information about warming centers across the city operated by the Office of Emergency Management, along with details about available space.
“We’re typically at capacity during those times, so if we don’t have a bed, we want to provide them a blanket and the opportunity to stay in our lobby,” Mayhar said.
On the roads, the Department of Public Safety is reminding drivers that winter conditions can be deceptive, even when pavement appears dry.
“Roads may be clear, but that may be deceiving,” said Sgt. Dila Hidalgo with DPS. “Bridges and overpasses are the first ones to freeze.”
Hidalgo said additional troopers will be on patrol and are preparing to respond to crashes. Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance and avoid unnecessary travel.
“If you don’t have to travel, stay home. Delay your trip,” Hidalgo said.
TxDOT plans to begin treating roadways in areas such as Boerne and Kerrville on Thursday before moving into northern parts of San Antonio. Crews expect to complete treatment across the metro area by Friday.
CPS Energy said in a statement that facilities have been weatherized and crews are on standby. The utility cautioned that if outages occur, restoration efforts may take time as crews assess conditions and restore power safely. Customers are reminded not to trim trees near power lines and to report downed lines or outages to 210-353-HELP (4357).
City officials are also encouraging residents to take steps at home, including protecting exposed pipes. Officials note that even simple measures, such as covering pipes with insulation or a styrofoam cup can help prevent damage when temperatures drop.