Forecasters with the National Weather Service remained confident on Tuesday that the San Antonio area will receive some frozen precipitation by Friday. But their forecast map showed that their freezing rain scenario had shifted to the far north and west of San Antonio.
Light freezing rain accumulations were now expected around Fredericksburg, Junction, and Kerrville.
San Antonians will still need to cover up to protect themselves against the bitterest cold of the season on Thursday and Friday.
Wednesday night will turn rainy and cold in San Antonio. The entire city is expected to see rain on Thursday and Thursday night with highs reaching into the 40s.
Gusty winds out of the north of 20 and 25 miles per hour will create a wind chill in the 20s until mid-morning both days in San Antonio. Daytime wind chills will be in the 30s. Daytime highs will warm into the 50s this weekend.
School districts monitor conditions
San Antonio school districts assured parents on Tuesday that officials were closely monitoring the weather. They will decide whether or not to cancel school no later than early Thursday morning, most likely well before 6 a.m.
They asked parents to update their contact info on their school messenger apps and checking the districts’ social media for the latest determinations.
San Antonio ISD officials said they’ve checked all of their boilers ahead of the cold. District officials said Highlands High School had a mechanical issue that resulted in some classrooms being cold. Administrators followed the school’s mitigation plan and moved students to warmer parts of the school.
Community members on social media reported rooms below 50 degrees on Tuesday morning. SAISD officials explained the high school’s HVAC system was repaired but because of the size of the building, it takes time for some classrooms to warm.
State preparations
Gov. Greg Abbott increased the readiness level of State Operation Centers ahead of winter weather on Tuesday.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management is preparing for possible sleet, ice, or freezing rain across Texas.
The state's Department of Transportation has begun pre-treating and treating roadways ... and personnel will be ready to assist with traffic control.
The Texas Department of State health Services is preparing its medical task force with ambulances and medics.
Driver safety
AAA Texas urged drivers to check and maintain tires, which are critical to maintain traction on wet and slippery roads. That includes tire pressure, which is depleted by cold temperatures.
Andrew West with Tech One Automotive in Austin explained that temperature swings during the day can cause car batteries to wear out and could leave a driver stranded. "The easiest way to prevent that would be if you have the ability to park inside of a garage where it's a little bit warmer," he explained.
But if that's not possible, West recommends drivers give themselves some extra time in the morning, just in case they need a jumpstart.
AAA Texas also advised drivers to never warm a vehicle in an enclosed area like a garage.
Drivers should reduce speed and leave plenty of room to stop. They should allow at least three times more space than usual between their car and the car in front.
Disability safety
The cold weather can be especially brutal for people with disabilities.
Experts advise them to create winter weather checklist to ensure they have enough warm clothes. They should wear multiple layers of clothes and keep blankets handy to wrap around the body. A jacket, hat, scarf, boots, and gloves or mittens will help people stay warm. People with low to no vision are encouraged to use gloves with thin materials to better navigate surfaces.
Power wheelchair users need to have an alternative power source and/or have a light-weight wheelchair in the event the power goes out. They should reach out to their utility company to inquire about becoming listed as a life-sustaining equipment customer. Power wheelchair users should make sure their chairs are charged and ready to use in rough terrain. Kitty litter can be used for traction.
People with disabilities should ensure that they have enough shelf-stable, non-refrigerated food items to last at least three days. Each person in the household should have at least one gallon of drinking water available for each day.
The checklist should also include a stockpile of seven days' worth of both prescription and over-the counter medication, along with a fully supplied first aid kit, and backup batteries for hearing aids, power wheelchairs, radios, and flashlights.
People who rely on service animals can protect their animals’ paws by avoiding salted surfaces and protecting paws with protective boots. If the animals are on medication, owners should ensure they have any necessary medications for at least a week. They should also ensure they have enough pet food for a week. Owners should also keep a shovel and salt or sand available to clear walkways for themselves and their pets.
Pet safety
San Antonio's Animal Care Services (ACS) wants to ensure that as people stay warm, they keep their pets warm too.
That starts with a proper shelter, which ACS defines to be three walls, a raised floor and a roof. Pets must always have access to food and water throughout the days and nights.
Tethering dogs with a chain is illegal under the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act. ACS officers will patrol for violations. Residents are advised to report animal negligence by dialing 311, the City’s customer service. To report violations online, visit saacs.info/311.
Heater safety
Some residents will use space heaters to stay warm. The Electrical Safety Foundation (ESF) recently reported that more than 65,000 house fires in the United States are due to heating equipment.
The ESF recommends residents inspect their heaters for any broken parts or loose plugs. Heaters must be placed at least three feet away from clothing, rugs, and anything that can burn.
Owners should plug heaters into a wall outlet, not an extension cord. Before leaving a room or going to sleep, turn off the heater.
The ESF also recommends checking smoke detectors.
Marian Navarro, Jackie Velez and KUT's Maya Fawaz contributed to this report.
