San Marcos Mayor Signs Disaster Declaration & Public Urged To Avoid Travel

With additional wintry precipitation expected later today and throughout the weekend that may make road conditions even more hazardous for motorists, Mayor Jane Hughson signed a Declaration of Local State of Disaster today that will be in effect for seven days unless continued by the City Council or terminated due to improved conditions.

Since temperatures are forecast to be below freezing for several days, the City recommends the public stay off of roads as much as possible or use extreme caution if driving is unavoidable.

Despite continued efforts to pre-treat roads with de-icing solution and sand by both City and TxDOT crews, precipitation continues to freeze and makes traveling very dangerous.

In particular, the City encourages area churches to broadcast services to their congregations virtually or cancel services this weekend to reduce the amount of traffic on the road as driving conditions deteriorate.

The San Marcos Police Department responded to multiple ice-related crashes along Interstate 35 overnight and continues to receive calls for crashes throughout the area. To eliminate unnecessary hazards, SMPD is working with area wrecker services to tow any vehicles parked along City roadways.

As freezing temperatures continue, residents should bring pets inside or provide outdoor animals with a warm, solid shelter against wind and rain. 

Those wanting to report weather-related animal concerns should continue to call the SMPD non-emergency line at 512.753.2108 and Animal Protection Officers will be dispatched as needed.

The City of San Marcos is working with its partners The Salvation Army, Southside Community Center and H.O.M.E. Center of Central Texas to provide accommodations for community members in need.

The City’s Code Compliance team and SMPD’s Homeless Outreach Team have been making contact with individuals for several days, passing out hotel vouchers and ensuring everyone in need is aware of the resources available.

Some hotel vouchers remain and will be provided to those in need throughout the next few days. 

Hays County Emergency Management is coordinating the following temporary shelter locations for anyone unable to obtain other accommodations.

Individuals are asked to call ahead to ensure shelters can accommodate requests due to COVID-19 limitations and everyone must provide their own sleeping gear, such as sleeping bags or air mattresses. 

• Southside Community Center
518 S Guadalupe St.
San Marcos, TX
512.557.0795

• The Salvation Army
300 S CM Allen Parkway, Ste. 100
San Marcos, TX
512.557.3661 

• Hays Hills Baptist Church
1401 N Farm to Market Rd. 1626
Buda, TX
512.295.3132

• Dripping Springs United Methodist Church
28900 RR 12
Dripping Springs, TX
512.894.7123

• Westover Baptist Church
1310 Advance St.
San Marcos, TX
512.214.2258

• First Baptist Church of Wimberley
15951 Winters Mill Parkway
Wimberley, TX
432.634.2364

Individuals in need may also call, text, or leave a voicemail for H.O.M.E Center of Central Texas.

Additional resource information may be found at https://hayscountytx.com/2021/02/13/resources-for-those-in-need-during-freezing-weather/.

While the electrical grid is stable and currently has excess generation, the City expects demand for electricity to increase as temperatures remain below freezing which could result in system overloads.

On Monday and Tuesday specifically, San Marcos Electric Utility encourages customers to conserve power by following simple steps like lowering thermostats to 68 degrees, avoiding use of large appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, ovens, and hot water heaters. 

Even small things like turning off lights when you leave a room can be very helpful in avoiding rolling outages during these weather conditions. 

If residents experience an electrical outage call 512.393.8313. For water outages or sewage problems, call 512.393.8010.

Do not call 911 unless residents are requesting emergency assistance, as it is not staffed to answer general information calls during emergency events like severe weather.