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San Antonio Prepares for Arctic Chill: What You Need to Know

Residents in San Antonio prepare for an Arctic chill.

News Summary

San Antonio is bracing for an Arctic blast with a cold weather advisory effective from 3 AM to 9 AM on Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to plummet, making it feel like 14 to 20 degrees due to wind chills. Local officials urge residents to protect people, pets, plants, and pipes. Warming centers will be available to ensure community safety, while CPS Energy enhances efforts to maintain electricity. Travelers are advised to stay cautious and prepare for potential icy conditions. Residents are encouraged to help one another during this chilly spell.

San Antonio Prepares for Arctic Chill: What You Need to Know

Hey there, San Antonio! It looks like we’re in for a bit of a cold snap as the city braces for an Arctic blast. With a cold weather advisory in effect from 3 AM to 9 AM on Tuesday, temperatures are set to drop significantly, with wind chills making it feel even chillier—between 14 to 20 degrees. If you thought winter was over, think again!

Protecting Our Community

Local officials are sounding the alarm, urging everyone to keep in mind the “four P’s”: people, pets, plants, and pipes. It’s a friendly reminder to check in on your neighbors, especially those who might need a little extra care during these frigid days.

For our human friends, be sure to bundle up in layers and check on the more vulnerable folks in your family or friend group.
Your furry friends will need some attention too! Bring them indoors or make sure they have a snug shelter to protect them from the cold.
Outdoor plants? Let’s not forget about them! If you can, bring them inside or cover them up to keep them cozy.
And finally, cover or wrap any outdoor pipes to prevent freezing. A simple dripping faucet can go a long way in protecting your plumbing.

Warming Centers and Shelters

To keep everyone safe and warm, warming centers will open whenever temperatures dip below the freezing mark. These locations offer a safe haven, complete with bathrooms and charging stations. Check the city’s website for a list of warming centers near you!

If you know someone who might be struggling with homelessness, there’s good news: Haven for Hope is open every night. Plus, other organizations will step up to provide shelter whenever temperatures plunge below 32 or 35 degrees. Daytime spots, including libraries and senior centers, will also serve as warming locations, so no one has to face the cold alone.

Utilities and Winter Weather Preparations

In anticipation of the weather, CPS Energy is ramping up efforts to keep the lights on, adding approximately 2,000 megawatts to the electric grid. They’ve invested around $20 million in tree trimming to minimize outages from falling branches. Smart move, right?

But that’s just the beginning. It looks like we’re expecting a developing winter storm by the end of the week, which might hit many parts of Texas, including our beloved San Antonio. Moisture is set to roll into South Texas on Wednesday, potentially bringing with it a splash of rain, sleet, or even flurries. The northern parts of Bexar County might experience the most significant wintry mix, while the Hill Country is likely to see some icy conditions.

Travel Wisely

For those planning to venture out, the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) is already on the case, treating major roadways to keep them as safe as possible. However, they advise sticking to all-wheel or front-wheel drive vehicles if you can. Prepare your vehicle by checking fluids and ensuring your tires have enough tread. Every little bit helps!

If you can, it’s best to stay home during the winter weather. Cozy up with a warm drink and don’t risk travel on slick roads, especially since northern areas might have icy bridges and overpasses.

Final Thoughts

This winter weather might be a hassle, but by looking out for one another and preparing ahead, we can navigate this chilly spell together. Stay warm, San Antonio, and keep those four P’s in mind!