Austin weather: Winter Storm Warning in the forecast for Central Texas

AUSTIN, Texas – Much of Central Texas is bracing for bitter cold Monday and Tuesday after arctic air arrived Saturday.

Winter Weather Advisory

The Hill Country will be under a Winter Weather Advisory beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20 and lasting until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The Advisory impacts the following counties: Bandera, Blanco, Burnet, Frio, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, and Llano.

Mixed precipitation is expected, with snow and sleet accumulations up to an inch. We could also see ice accumulation up to a few hundredths of an inch.

Drivers should plan on slippery road conditions and people are advised to watch their first few steps on stairs, sidewalks and driveways, says the National Weather Service.

Winter Storm Warning

The rest of Central Texas, except for Milam and Lampasas counties, will be under a Winter Storm Warning, starting at 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20 until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Heavy mixed precipitation is expected with snow and sleet accumulations up to two inches and ice accumulations around a tenth of an inch.

Some regions, especially farther to the east, may see higher accumulations of ice. 

Roads will likely be slick and will make for dangerous driving conditions and impacts are expected during the morning commute. Refreezing is also expected on Tuesday evening according to the National Weather Service.

Cold Weather Advisory

All counties are under a Cold Weather Advisory until noon Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Lows on Monday night will be in the mid 20s with wind chills in the teens and single digits out west.

Tuesday night is colder, with low temps in the teens and wind chills again in the teens and single digits.

Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure, says the NWS, so Central Texans are advised to use caution when traveling outside and wear appropriate clothing, including a hat and gloves.

What to do

If you’re able to on Monday and Tuesday, stay indoors and minimize driving.

If not, travelers should drive carefully and slowly, giving plenty of space between them and other vehicles. Drivers can also check current road conditions on DriveTexas.org.

Austin weather: Tips to prepare your home for arctic blast

Central Texans are also advised to protect the four P’s: pets, plants, pipes and people and should also remember not to use generators or grills inside their homes.

Many Central Texas school districts have already chosen to cancel classes for Tuesday, Jan. 21. Many of them were set to be closed already on Monday, Jan 20, due to Martin Luther King Jr Day.

7-Day Forecast

We will begin warming up on Thursday, taking highs into the mid 50s with a steady rise all the way through next weekend.

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