News Summary
San Antonio is under a winter weather advisory from 6 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday. Freezing drizzle may lead to hazardous road conditions across Central and South Texas. The city is providing temporary shelters for the homeless and their pets. Drivers should be cautious of new speed detection cameras also deployed in North Bexar County. Stay safe and warm this weekend!
Winter Weather Advisory Hits San Antonio: Stay Cautious!
Hey there, San Antonio! We have some important news to share about the upcoming weather this weekend. A winter weather advisory has been issued for various parts of Central and South Texas, and yes, that includes our beloved city. The advisory will kick in at 6 p.m. on Friday and will last until 9 a.m. on Saturday. So, if you’re planning any late-night outings, you might want to think again!
Which Areas Are Affected?
This advisory isn’t just impacting San Antonio; it stretches across seven Texas counties including Hays, Comal, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Wilson, and Gonzales. So if you’re in places like San Marcos, New Braunfels, Spring Branch, Seguin, or even Lockhart, take note! Freezing drizzle is on its way, and it’s expected to make roads a bit slippery. With less than a tenth of an inch of ice forecasted, it’ll mainly affect untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses. If you’re north of San Antonio, particularly in areas like northern Bexar County, Comal, and Hays counties, the road conditions are likely to be even more hazardous.
Travel Warnings and Safety Measures
Our advice? Travel late Friday through early Saturday morning is not recommended—you’re better off staying warm at home! Thankfully, temperatures are set to rise above freezing after 9 a.m. on Saturday, melting away the ice threat. However, be prepared for some scattered showers and areas of drizzle throughout the day, with highs creeping into the low 40s.
To keep everyone safe during this chilly situation, the city has arranged for temporary overnight shelters for those experiencing homelessness. Plus, our furry friends can find a welcoming spot at the shelters since Animal Care Services will be offering kennels for pets. All encampment abatements have been put on hold to make sure everyone stays safe and warm during this cold snap. A special overnight resilience hub is opening at the Northeast Senior Center from 5 p.m. Friday until 10 a.m. Saturday. It will provide safe accommodations, basic supplies, charging stations, and even free Wi-Fi. Just make sure to bring along clothing, personal supplies, and any necessary medications to ensure your comfort!
New Speed Detection Cameras on the Scene!
Where to Find These Cameras
Drivers on U.S. Highway 281, Loop 1604, and Interstate 10 will see these cameras positioned strategically in areas identified as high crash zones. According to data, a whopping 95,000 vehicles have been observed on these highways recently, and about 5% were found to be speeding. This shows us that speeding incidents are down, which is great news!
What Happens if You Speed?
Since the start of the month, there have been 329 speeding citations issued, particularly from Highway 281. The focus here is on drivers who are significantly exceeding the speed limits, rather than those just a bit over. Just a friendly reminder—unlike red light cameras, speeding citations could lead to arrest warrants if ignored, so it’s best to pay attention to those speed limits!
What’s Next for the Cameras?
Interestingly, this initiative has not yet cost taxpayers a dime since it’s still in the testing phase. Once testing is complete, the county has the option to purchase these cameras for around $48,000 or lease them monthly for about $4,600. But hold on, not everyone is in favor of these cameras—there’s a bill on the table aimed at prohibiting the government from using such devices.
So there you have it, San Antonio! Stay warm and be safe out there on the roads. Keep an eye on the weather and stay aware of the new cameras as you navigate our city. Let’s look out for one another during this chilly winter advisory!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Police Chase Ends in Head-On Crash
Winter Weather Advisory Issued for San Antonio
San Antonio Faces Winter Weather Advisory as Freezing Rain Approaches
Winter Weather Advisory Alert for San Antonio!
Cold Weather Advisory Hits Bexar County
San Antonio ISD Prepares Schools for Cold Weather Safety
San Antonio Faces Arctic Cold Front
San Antonio Prepares for Cold Weather Amid Rodeo Fun
Tri-State Area Faces Severe Winter Storm Challenges
Winter Storm Garnett Hits Northeastern U.S. with Snow and Ice
Additional Resources
- Express News: Winter Advisory in South Texas
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- News4SanAntonio: Freezing Rain and Emergency Hubs
- Google Search: San Antonio Winter Weather
- SA Current: School Districts Cancel Activities
- Google Scholar: Weather Effects on School Activities
- Express News: Wednesday Frigid Cold Temperatures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cold Weather Safety
- News4SanAntonio: Canceled St. Jude Dream Home Open House
- Google News: Weather-Related Cancellations
