South Texas Faces Severe Winter Storm and Hard Freeze

News Summary

South Texas, particularly San Antonio, is bracing for a severe winter storm, bringing hard freeze conditions. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, reaching the upper 20s overnight, with the Hill Country area experiencing even colder temperatures. Community members are advised to protect their plumbing systems and exercise caution while traveling as road conditions may become hazardous. In addition to icy roads, a significant winter storm warning has been issued, resulting in school closures in various regions. Residents are urged to stay warm and check on their neighbors during this historic weather event.

South Texas Prepares for a Chilly Winter Blast!

San Antonio, get ready to bundle up! A hard freeze is headed our way as a severe winter storm sweeps through South Texas. On Tuesday, residents experienced a taste of winter with light snow and sleet making an unusual appearance. Indeed, the frosty weather isn’t pulling any punches, as ice has been reported on cars in the Alta Vista neighborhood!

Temperature Expectations

So, what can you expect in terms of temperatures? As the sun sets, the forecast predicts that temperatures in San Antonio will dive below freezing after 7 p.m., and by 8 p.m., they are projected to reach the upper 20s. Overnight, it will get even colder, with the thermometer likely hitting around 20 degrees.

For our friends in the Hill Country, it might be time to turn up the heat even more, as areas like Kerrville, Fredericksburg, and Boerne could experience temperatures between 15 and 19 degrees. With the white stuff falling from the sky, it’s starting to feel like a winter wonderland!

The Wind Factor

Lucky for us, wind speeds are expected to remain low at around 5 mph, which means that wind chill won’t be a major concern this time around. But that doesn’t mean we should let our guard down when it comes to protecting our homes from the cold!

Protecting Your Pipes

This isn’t just a typical winter freeze; when temperatures plunge into the upper teens and low 20s, the risk of bursting pipes becomes significant, especially for outdoor plumbing. To keep your home safe, it’s a good idea to drain and insulate any outdoor water systems. For the inside of your home, consider using insulation sleeves, heat tape, and even heat lamps for pipes that might not see enough insulation, particularly in attics, garages, and crawl spaces.

Homeowners are encouraged to leave one faucet dripping. This simple trick can help prevent freezing but avoid letting all your faucets flow to relieve pressure on the water system. Trust us; you’ll want to avoid dealing with busted pipes!

Road Conditions and Travel

As our roads turn frosty, caution is the name of the game. While main roads in San Antonio are expected to clear up fairly well, side streets, bridges, and overpasses could still be slick with leftover moisture that freezes overnight. So drive carefully if you must go out!

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, warmer days are in the forecast! High temperatures on Wednesday are expected to climb into the upper 40s, reaching near 50 degrees. As we continue through the week, cozy mid- to upper 50s are expected on Thursday and Friday. But be prepared—those mornings may still teeter around freezing, potentially leading to light freezes that are less likely to affect plumbing systems.

Winter Warnings and School Closures

A Historic Storm

Local officials are describing this winter storm as historic and severe, with travel disruptions and hazardous road conditions making headlines everywhere. This winter weather is a reminder that even in sunny Texas, we can’t always escape a chilly surprise!

So as you prepare for the frigid temperatures, stay warm, stay safe, and don’t forget to check on your neighbors. Together, we’ll weather this winter storm!