BREAKING: Winter Storm Warning For Austin – San Antonio
Ice accumulations are possible over the hill country and Southern Edwards Plateau today.
Shallow Arctic air over South Central Texas will continue to hold in place as precipitation moves in from the west. Many areas of South Central Texas mainly north and west of a line from Del Rio to San Antonio up to Austin, will be at or slightly below the freezing mark this morning. Patches of light to moderate freezing rain will create hazardous driving conditions across the hill country and portions of the Interstate 35 corridor. Bridges and overpasses will be the main concern through the morning hours. Most ice accumulations will be generally less than 1/10 of an inch, but as the day progresses, Bands of sleet showers and moderate freezing rain could support isolated higher accumulations up to 1/4 inch.
Across the central and northern Hill Country, temperatures may not reach above freezing or long enough to melt the accumulated ice. Thus the threat for icy roads could extend into this evening. Farther south and east, areas from Del Rio to San Antonio to Austin may experience a shorter freezing period, with improving Temperatures Expected By late morning or early afternoon.
Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until midnight CST tonight.
- Timing: through midnight tonight.
- Main impact: Light Freezing rain and sleet may accumulate on road surfaces, in addition to bridges and overpasses. Areas along and north of a line from Del Rio to Hondo to Selma to Pflugerville can expect icing to develop on many solid road surfaces, while areas to the south and east are expected to see only light icing on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses. Total ice accumulations north of the Escarpment are expected to average between 1/10 and 1/4 inch. However. Bands of sleet could support slightly higher accumulations.
- Other impacts: The cold temperatures and expected ice accumulations could prevent temperatures from reaching above freezing until this evening. Improving conditions are possible by this afternoon over areas along and south of Highway 90 and along and east of I-35.
A Winter Storm Warning means accumulations of snow, sleet, freezing rain or freezing drizzle are expected or occurring. This will cause considerable travel problems and may pose a threat to life and property.
Tips from ready.gov
- Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
- Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
- Sand to improve traction.
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
- Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
- More:
- What to do before winter storms and extreme cold.
During:
- Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
- Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
- Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
- Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
- More:
- What to do during winter storms and extreme cold.
