Stay updated with the KENS 5 Weather Team on this severe weather development and how it impacts you.
BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — IMPACT DAYS: Saturday, Jan. 24 through Tuesday morning, Jan. 27
Reason: Modified arctic air and a chance for freezing rain, with some ice accumulation possible.
The breakdown
An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from Saturday through Monday morning for all of South-Central Texas, including San Antonio. Some areas could see wind chills in the single-digits, mainly in northern Bexar County and the Hill Country.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of the Texas Hill Country; that began 3 a.m. Saturday and will last until noon Sunday for communities north of Bexar County, including Kerrville, Fredericksburg, New Braunfels and Boerne.
An additional Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for Bexar County and several other counties to the east and south. That warning began at 3 p.m. Saturday and lasts until noon Sunday.
On Saturday afternoon, the National Weather Service increased the alert for some counties to an Ice Storm Warning. This includes the following counties in the KENS 5 viewing area: Edwards, Real, Kerr, Bandera, Gillespie,
Kendall, Blanco and Comal. Significant icing expected. Ice accumulations of 1/4 inch with isolated totals of 1/2 inch are possible. In addition, dangerously cold temperatures are expected Saturday night through Monday morning. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous, making travel nearly impossible. Weather-related power outages and tree damage are possible due to the ice.
In San Antonio, temperatures dropped into the mid-30s on Saturday afternoon with wind chills closer to 25 degrees. We can expect mainly light freezing drizzle/rain and sleet into Saturday evening. There is also a chance for less than a half-inch of ice accumulation on elevated surfaces in Bexar County, south of Loop 1604 and along Interstate 10/Highway 90.
On Sunday, more light freezing drizzle is possible in the morning. We’ll stay cloudy as highs reach the mid-30s.
The coldest temperatures, meanwhile, arrive Monday and Tuesday, with morning lows possibly in the upper-teens before getting no warmer than the upper-30s Monday. Tuesday will be a little warmer, with highs reaching the mid-to-upper-40s.
In the Hill Country, ice accumulation may begin as early as Saturday around noon through the overnight hours. Total accumulation from freezing drizzle/rain and sleet may be as much as a tenth of an inch to a quarter of an inch; that’s enough to cause problems on bridges and elevated surfaces.
Overall, the highest potential for ice accumulation from early Saturday through Sunday focuses on the Hill Country into the I-35 corridor, where there is a 40% to 60% chance of at least a tenth of an inch of ice. Probabilities are lower farther to the south, including San Antonio.
Communities like Kerrville, Fredericksburg and New Braunfels can expect to awaken to morning lows in the lower-teens on Monday morning. Winds will make it feel like the single-digits in those areas.
Preparing for the cold
NWS says Texas residents should monitor the forecast frequently as changes are possible and prepare now for winter weather impacts.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) says it is monitoring the cold weather approaching the region and will keep Texans informed on grid conditions. ERCOT officials have said the state’s power grid is ready to handle winter weather.
NWS reminds residents extreme cold could become life threatening and likely damage unprotected pipes and put livestock at risk if precautions are not taken. Dress in layers including a hat, face mask and gloves if you must go outside.
Don’t forget your pets! NWS urges pet owners to make sure to give proper care to our four-legged friends to ensure they have a safe space that is warm and dry during the winter storm.
This is a developing weather event. Refresh the page for the latest updates.