AUSTIN, Texas — Central Texas is bracing for winter weather that could impact travel, cancel events and even cause some closures. Anyone that could be impacted by the possible freezing rain and ice accumulation should prepare their pipes and plants and make sure their pets are warm and safe.
When the freezing rain will arrive?
The latest information from the National Weather Service shows that freezing rain and sleet are expected Saturday, starting as light showers in the morning and becoming more impactful as temperatures drop below freezing by Saturday afternoon and evening. Ice accumulation will become more likely at that time.
How much ice can we expect?
Most areas are forecast to see between a light glaze and about a quarter of an inch of ice accumulation. Some parts of the Hill Country could see higher amounts, up to around a half an inch of ice, which could lead to more scattered power outages and more hazardous travel conditions.
How cold will it get?
We’re tracking the coldest air arriving late Saturday night into early Sunday morning for all of Central Texas, with portions of the Hill Country getting some of the coldest wind chills that could get to the single digits in spots, while the Austin metro could stay in the upper 20s for air temperatures with mid teens for wind chills.
As a result of this, it is important to mind the Four P’s – Pets, Plants, Pipes and People – throughout the course of the weekend, especially heading into Sunday and Monday. Things should start to warm back up for Monday afternoon, but not before we potentially endure a period of 24 to 48 hours below freezing in many spots.
Keep monitoring the forecast for changes…