Wind Chill Advisory issued for Central Texas

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

HAYS COUNTY — After a day filled with freezing temperatures and rain, the Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 9 p.m. when a Wind Chill Advisory has been issued for Central Texas until 9 a.m. on Friday. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph and produce wind chill values in the single digits and teens Thursday through Friday night.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), significant icing is expected with a mix of freezing rain and sleet. Ice accumulations of 1/10 to 1/4 inch on average expected, with isolated higher amounts up to 1/2 inch possible.

Total sleet accumulations of 1/4 to 3/4 inch possible, especially across the Hill Country. In addition, winds could gust as high as 35 mph and produce wind chill values that range from -4 to 0 degrees until Friday morning. 

Local schools and government offices have announced closures throughout the county, but anticipate they will be operating on regular hours on Monday, February 7. Both San Marcos HEB locations have announced they will be closing at 5 p.m. Thursday, but are planning to re-open at 8 a.m. on Friday, February 4.

In addition to information for how to prepare for winter weather provided on Haysinformed.com, the county has warming centers strategically located in the county to provide warmth, food and water in the event of a massive power outage in the county.

Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update on Texas’ response to winter weather that is currently impacting the state. During the press conference, the Governor reported that 27 state agencies are responding to the impact of the storm to ensure Texans have the support and resources they need to stay safe.

“The State of Texas has deployed a plethora of resources to ensure our communities have the support they need to respond to this storm,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas is experiencing one of the most significant ice events in decades, but we have taken unprecedented steps to ensure that our power grid continues to function reliably despite treacherous weather conditions. As we continue to face freezing temperatures, precipitation, and other dangerous elements, I urge Texans to be prepared and heed the guidance of their local officials as we all work together to keep people safe.” 

Although many Texans are worried the low temperatures will cause a power grid failure similar to last February’s Winter Storm Uri, government officials and the Environment Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) have said that the Texas power grid is fully functioning and continues to be reliable. 

Corridor News will continue to provide updates on the winter storm and it’s impact on Hays County.