A historic winter storm is just hours away from impacting South Texas. Frigid Arctic air is already sweeping across the region, and Gulf moisture will soon combine with it, creating a recipe for freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Here’s the latest hour-by-hour breakdown of what you can expect and how to prepare.

Timeline: When and What to Expect

Monday Morning

  • Temperatures: The coldest morning of the winter so far, with lows in the mid-20s in San Antonio and even colder temperatures in the Hill Country (16-19 degrees).
  • Wind Chills: Feels-like temperatures will drop to 15 degrees in San Antonio and single digits in areas like Fredericksburg, Kerrville, and Boerne.
  • Advice: Bundle up if you’re outdoors—multiple layers, hats, gloves, and scarves are essential.

Monday Afternoon and Evening (4-8 p.m.)

  • Precipitation Begins: Very light rain is possible, with temperatures hovering slightly above freezing.
  • Impact: Conditions remain manageable at first, but as temperatures drop into the evening, freezing rain could develop, particularly on bridges and overpasses.

Monday Night (8 p.m. - Midnight)

  • Freezing Rain Transition: As temperatures fall to the freezing mark, rain will turn to freezing rain. Elevated roadways will become slick first, followed by surface roads as precipitation continues.
  • Travel Advisory: Driving is highly discouraged after 10 p.m., as conditions will rapidly deteriorate.

Early Tuesday Morning (Midnight - 4 a.m.)

  • Sleet and Snow Develop: Freezing rain transitions to sleet, with snow beginning to mix in as temperatures drop further.
  • Road Conditions: Most roads, including major highways, will be icy and hazardous.

Tuesday Morning (4-9 a.m.)

  • Snowfall: Light snow is expected across the San Antonio area, with accumulations up to 1 inch. Heavier snow is likely to the north and east.
  • Impact: Freezing temperatures combined with snow and ice will make travel extremely dangerous.

Tuesday Afternoon and Evening

  • Improving Conditions: Precipitation will taper off by midday, and skies may begin to clear. Temperatures could rise slightly above freezing, allowing for some melting.
  • High Temperatures: Expect highs near 39 degrees, but any remaining moisture on roads will refreeze overnight.

Accumulations: How Much Snow and Ice?

  • San Antonio Area: Less than a tenth of an inch of ice and up to 1 inch of snow, with some spots seeing slightly more.
  • Hill Country: Higher snow totals of 1-2 inches expected.
  • Austin-Round Rock: 1-1.5 inches of snow.
  • East Texas (Houston, Huntsville, Beaumont): 2-4 inches of snow possible.

Wednesday Morning: Refreezing Risks

  • Hard Freeze: Temperatures will plummet into the low 20s Tuesday night, refreezing any melted snow and ice.
  • Road Conditions: Icy patches will persist, making travel hazardous during the Wednesday morning commute.

When Will It All Melt?

  • Wednesday Afternoon: Highs in the mid-30s with partly sunny skies will help thaw some areas.
  • Thursday: Temperatures in the 50s will bring significant melting, allowing roads to return to normal.

Prepare Now

  • Protect Pipes, Plants, and Pets: Wrap outdoor pipes, cover sensitive plants, and bring pets indoors.
  • Stock Up: Ensure you have enough food, water, and supplies to last 48-72 hours.
  • Avoid Travel: Roads will become treacherous, especially late Monday through Wednesday morning.

Stay Updated

Follow local meteorologists, tune into weather updates, and check road conditions before heading out. This is a rare winter storm that will bring significant impacts to South Texas, so be sure to make safety and preparation a priority.

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Gallery Credit: KATELYN LEBOFF

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