Central Texas Braces for Wintry Weather

News Summary

Residents in Central Texas are preparing for a significant winter weather event as cold temperatures and wintry precipitation forecasted from Monday afternoon into Tuesday. Snow is expected particularly in the Austin metro area, while southern regions may experience sleet and light icing. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect, stressing caution due to dangerously low temperatures and wind chill. Winter Storm Warnings and Weather Advisories have been issued, prompting school closures and travel precautions. Cold weather shelters are open for those in need during this chilly period.

Central Texas Prepares for Wintry Weather Blast!

As we dive into the week, residents in Central Texas are in for quite a surprise! Cold temperatures are settling in, and winter is making an appearance. Starting from Monday afternoon and stretching all the way to Tuesday afternoon, people can expect some tricky weather with wintry precipitation heading our way.

What’s Coming Our Way?

Folks in the Austin metro area and the surrounding regions can brace for a slippery situation as snow is anticipated, especially on Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, areas to the south and east might just see a mix of sleet and light icing, which can also be hazardous. With this impending chill, some school districts have already hit the pause button on classes, prioritizing students’ safety as the weather dips.

Stay Warm and Stay Safe

A Cold Weather Advisory is in place until noon on Wednesday. This alert is stressing the need for caution as it warns of dangerously low temperatures and significant wind chill factors. Monday morning is expected to be particularly chilly, with the Hill Country dropping down to the mid-teens, while the Austin Metro and Eastern Counties will feel the bite of the cold as temperatures hover in the upper teens and low teens. Don’t forget that wind chill can take those already low temperatures down another 5 to 10 degrees!

What to Expect on Monday

So what should you expect as Monday rolls in? You might catch a few flurries flying around during the day, but hold onto your hats because the real wintry weather is set to kick off Monday evening. Forecasts from the First Warning Weather Team indicate that roadways could see around 1 inch of snow and sleet accumulating along Interstate 35, with lesser amounts westward in the Hill Country and potentially higher amounts moving eastward. The southern areas are likely to experience more of that pesky sleet and light freezing rain.

Widespread Winter Warnings

A Winter Storm Warning has now been issued for all counties in the Austin Metro area, as well as for most eastern counties, effective from Monday at 6 p.m. through Tuesday at 6 p.m. Additionally, parts of the Hill Country have been given a Winter Weather Advisory, signifying caution due to lower expected snow and sleet accumulations but still highlighting potential hazards on the road.

Be Prepared for Those Icy Roads!

Even after the wintery mix wraps up, icy spots can linger, particularly on bridges and overpasses where black ice might form later in the day on Tuesday. The ground remains cold, and warmer temperatures won’t roll back into Central Texas until next weekend when we’ll see highs in the 60s. The Arctic cold front is expected to keep temperatures icy for the rest of the week, so it’s crucial that residents stay alert.

Travel Tips & Safety Precautions

With all this arctic air on its way, it’s a smart idea to check in with your vehicle. Cold weather can significantly affect tire pressure, so make sure to keep an eye on that! It’s also wise to give yourself extra time to travel, particularly for defrosting those windows and driving more cautiously on slick roads.

Cold Weather Shelters Available

For those in need, several cold weather shelters are now open in Austin, available nightly through at least Wednesday. If you or someone you know is in need, don’t hesitate to seek help! Remember, everyone deserves a warm and safe place during this chilly spell.

As Central Texas braces for this wintery mix, staying informed and prepared is the best way to combat the cold. Keep those warm layers handy, and if you are out and about, drive safely and take care of one another!

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Additional Resources

• KVUE: MLK Day Winter Weather Forecast
• Wikipedia: Weather
• San Antonio Express-News: Winter Storm Watch for San Antonio
• Google Search: Texas Winter Weather
• The Statesman: Austin Central Texas Snow Storm Forecast
• Google Scholar: Snow Weather Forecast
• CBS Austin: Arctic Cold Front in Central Texas
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Forecasting
• KXAN: Today’s Weather Forecast
• Google News: Winter Storm