SAN ANTONIO — An arctic blast bringing below-average temperatures has arrived in San Antonio and is expected to stick around through Wednesday. It isn't too late for residents to take preparations in case of an emergency like bursting pipes or a power outage; hard freezes are expected for multiple days.
The weekend got off to a pleasant start before bitter cold started settling in Sunday afternoon and evening. Monday morning also brought freezing rain to some areas, canceling the annual MLK March as city officials opted for safety.
Besides the bitterly cold temperatures, wind speeds of around 20 to 30 mph will bring wind-chill values into the single-digits at times through Wednesday.
How to stay prepared during the arctic blast
Know your active watches and warnings:
Wind Chill Advisory: Affecting Bexar, Atascosa, Comal, DeWitt, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Lavaca and Wilson counties.
Description: Remains in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday. Wind-chill values into the single-digits or as low as zero degrees expected in the region.
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Hard Freeze Warning: Affecting Bexar, Atascosa, Bandera, Comal, DeWitt, Edwards, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Lavaca, Medina and Wilson counties.
Description: Warning remains in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday. Periods of prolonged sub-freezing temperatures in the region, with the mercury as low as 10 to 15 degrees. Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops and other sensitive vegetation, and potentially damage unprotected outdoor pipes.
Keep an eye on the roads:
A TxDOT map has shown a few spots around San Antonio with icy patches. Drivers are strongly discouraged from going near these areas.
Take a look at the map below for real-time closures:
Know the areas affected by power outages:
Nearly 3,000 CPS Energy customers were without power at one point Monday morning. See the full CPS Energy Outage map for current conditions.
Know how to prepare for a power outage:
Make sure you have enough water and dry food, and ensure all battery-powered lights and electronic devices are fully charged so you remain able to receive weather alerts in case of emergency.
Other vital items, such as medication and sufficient pet food, are also important to have in stock.
Remember: Strong winds can knock down trees and power lines in addition to extreme weather. If you lose power and can safely leave your home there are plenty of warming centers in the San Antonio area.
How to protect your home in extreme cold:
Pipes: Wrap or insulate your pipes as freezing temperatures can crack or burst that can lead to expensive repairs. Any pipes that are exposed you can wrap with foam or towels, open cabinets to let warmer air circulate, and very important to drip your faucets.
Is your child's school closed?
Nearly a dozen San Antonio-area districts were closed or delayed on Monday due to the weather. Even more are reporting closures and delayed starts for Tuesday. Find a full list here.
Know when the cold weather arrives:
The first snap of near-freezing temperatures arrived early Sunday morning around 6 a.m.., but it's overnight heading into Monday when San Antonians saw a freeze. Bitterly cold conditions will continue through Wednesday, with temperatures not expected to get above 50 degrees again until Thursday.
Overnight Resiliency Centers
The City will operate six resilience hubs beginning Sunday night at 9 p.m. through Wednesday morning at 8 a.m. These locations are safe, accessible, and equitable facilities where residents can obtain information and resources in times of need. These locations will have access to basic needs/supplies, shelter from the severe cold, access to power & device charging and free wi-fi. Anyone coming to these locations should bring clothes, supplies and medicine.
The six locations are:
- Normoyle Senior Center (700 Culberson Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78225)
- Northeast Senior Center (4135 Thousand Oaks Drive, San Antonio, TX 78217)
- Southside Lions Senior Center (3303 Pecan Valley Drive, San Antonio, TX 78210)
- Garza Community Center (1450 Mira Vista, San Antonio, TX 78228)
- Copernicus Community Center (5003 Lord Rd, San Antonio, TX 78220)
- Miller’s Pond Community Center (6175 Old Pearsall Rd, San Antonio, TX 78242)
Kennels will be available in a separate area of these locations for pets.
County Overnight Warming Centers
Bexar County will operate five overnight warming centers beginning Sunday night at 9 p.m. through Wednesday morning at 8 a.m.
- Lighthouse Church Temple (8201 Old Pearsall Road, San Antonio, TX 78252)
- OuterWest Community Church (12280 Alamo Ranch Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78253)
- St. Padre Pio Catholic Church (3843 Bulverde Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78259)
- Christ the King Lutheran Church (1129 Pat booker Road, Universal City, TX 78148)
- Elmendorf Community Library (203 Bexar Ave, Elmendorf, TX 78112)
For any other updates, you can follow the County’s website.