San Antonio residents, get ready for a cold and slippery night ahead. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the area, warning that freezing rain could create a thin but dangerous layer of ice on roads, bridges, and overpasses.
The advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. Friday through 9 a.m. Saturday, and while ice accumulation is expected to be light, it only takes a thin glaze to turn roads into a hazard for drivers and pedestrians alike.
What’s Happening?
As of Friday afternoon, temperatures in San Antonio have dropped to 34°F (1°C) under cloudy skies. The cold air, combined with moisture moving into the region, is expected to create a mix of drizzle and freezing rain this evening.
The main concern? Bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads. These surfaces freeze first, meaning that even if city streets look clear, elevated roads could be covered in a sneaky layer of ice that’s nearly impossible to see.
Who’s Affected?
This Winter Weather Advisory isn’t just for San Antonio it covers much of South Central Texas, including Bexar, Hays, Comal, Guadalupe, Caldwell, Wilson, and Gonzales counties.
Cities like San Antonio, San Marcos, and New Braunfels are all at risk for slick conditions overnight and into early Saturday morning.
How Bad Will It Get?
The good news is that we’re not expecting a full-blown ice storm, but even a small amount of freezing rain can make travel extremely dangerous. Ice accumulation is expected to be a few hundredths of an inch, with some spots reaching up to a tenth of an inch. That may not sound like much, but it’s more than enough to cause cars to slide, sidewalks to become treacherous, and pipes to freeze.
What Should You Do?
If you don’t have to drive tonight DON’T. If you must, follow these precautions:
- Slow Down! Even if the road looks fine, ice can be invisible.
- Avoid Bridges & Overpasses. They freeze first and stay icy longer.
- Give Yourself Extra Stopping Distance. Braking on ice takes much longer than on dry pavement.
Protect Your Home & Loved Ones
- Cover Outdoor Plants or bring them inside if possible
- Protect Pipes by letting faucets drip to prevent freezing.
- Keep Pets Warm if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.
When Will It Get Better?
The worst of the freezing conditions should ease by mid-morning Saturday, as temperatures climb above freezing. By the afternoon, we should see highs in the low 40s, helping melt any remaining ice.
The rest of the weekend will stay chilly, but a big warm-up is coming next week. By Monday and Tuesday, temperatures could reach the mid to upper 70s!
For now, stay safe, stay warm, and stay off the roads if you can!