News Summary
Austin and Central Texas are under a Winter Storm Warning until Tuesday evening as residents prepare for potential icy conditions. The forecast indicates snow and sleet starting late Monday night, with accumulations of up to 1.5 inches possible. Schools are closed and public transport services may be affected as icy roads pose a serious hazard. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing, raising concerns about safety and preparedness. Residents are encouraged to stay warm and be cautious when traveling.
Winter Storm Warning Hits Austin and Central Texas
As winter settles in, residents of Austin and surrounding areas are getting ready for a potential icy start to the week. A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for the Austin area and all counties along and east of Interstate 35, which will last until 6 p.m. on Tuesday. If you’re planning to step out, bundle up and stay safe!
What to Expect: Snow, Sleet, and Icy Roads
Predictions show a winter weather threat developing from Monday night through Tuesday morning, with forecast snow and sleet totals slightly reduced due to some anticipated dry air hanging around Central Texas. The current accumulations are expected to range from a light dusting up to 1.5 inches, although some areas in the southeast could see slightly higher totals.
The weather team expects most of the precipitation to hit between midnight and 7 a.m. Tuesday, so if you’re catching some Zs during that time, prepare for a surprise when you wake up! Just be aware that while some locations under the Winter Storm Warning could see between 0.5 inches to 2 inches, those in the Winter Weather Advisory area (like those in the Hill Country) are expected to see just a dusting to about an inch.
Timing and Conditions Ahead
The snow and sleet are slated to kick off around 6 p.m. on Monday, growing increasingly widespread as we approach the midnight hour. Early temperatures will be chilly, hanging around the upper 20s, which should help with accumulation on elevated surfaces such as roads and sidewalks.
If you’re worried about slipping and sliding, you’re not alone! Roads might remain tricky through Wednesday morning, as temperatures are expected to drop below freezing once again on Tuesday night. This means there could be some refreezing issues in the early hours. So, it may not be the best idea to hit the road without caution—better safe than sorry!
Cold Weather Advisory and Preparedness
A Cold Weather Advisory remains for the KVUE area until noon on Wednesday, as temperatures could plummet to the mid-20s or even the upper teams in the mornings. Central Texas school districts, including those in Austin, have already made the call to close for Tuesday, prioritizing the safety of students amid the icy conditions.
Alongside school closures, public transportation services provided by Capital Metro are also expected to be affected, with updates available online. Residents are being proactive, treating roads in advance and making plans for safe travels. While essential services will continue, city employees are encouraged to work from home where possible to avoid the hazardous conditions.
Keeping Warm and Staying Safe
As this chilly weather makes itself at home, temperatures are set to remain frigid throughout the week, with possible wind chills sinking into the teens or even lower single digits. If you’re venturing out, don’t forget your layers! It’s a good time to check on your neighbors too, especially the elderly, to make sure everyone stays warm and safe.
All in all, while winter might not be everyone’s favorite season, there’s nothing like a little snow to get the cozy vibes going! Stay warm, be careful on the roads, and keep an eye out for updates as the weather continues to unfold.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Central Texas Honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Pflugerville Launches Downtown East Project
Georgetown School District Cancels Classes Due to Winter Weather
Pflugerville City Council Sparks Controversy Over Emergency Services
Volunteer Opportunities at Habitat for Humanity Event in Taylor, TX
Round Rock on the Path to Recovery After Winter Storm Mara
Round Rock Completes Winter Storm Cleanup Efforts
Polar Vortex to Bring Freezing Temperatures to Texas Next Week
Austin Welcomes Krista Laine as New City Council Member for District 6
Additional Resources
- KVUE News
- Wikipedia: Winter storm
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Search: Austin winter storm
- Fox 7 Austin
- Google Scholar: Austin winter storm warning
- KXAN News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Central Texas weather
- Express News
- Google News: Central Texas storm warning
