San Antonio Under Winter Storm Warning as Governor Activates Statewide Emergency Operations for Arctic Blast
South Central Texas is bracing for a potentially life-threatening winter storm, and Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of disaster for 134 Texas counties, including Bexar, Guadalupe, Wilson, Karnes, Gonzales, and surrounding counties.
As icy conditions and frigid air descend on the region, a Winter Storm Warning and Extreme Cold Warning have been issued by the National Weather Service for the Greater San Antonio area.
What to Expect
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Freezing rain begins Saturday evening, with up to 1/4 inch of ice accumulation possible
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Temperatures dropping into the teens, with wind chills near or below 0°F
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Roads—especially bridges and overpasses—will become extremely hazardous
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Power outages and pipe damage are likely in some areas
Governor Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration and Deploys State Response
Governor Abbott has taken proactive action ahead of the storm:
“As temperatures drop below freezing and regions of Texas face snow, ice, and freezing rain, it is crucial that Texans remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance of state and local officials.”
To respond effectively, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has increased its readiness level and mobilized the following state resources:
Deployed for San Antonio & Surrounding Areas
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Texas National Guard: Positioned to help stranded motorists and deliver aid
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TxDOT: Actively pre-treating and monitoring roads and bridges
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Texas Parks and Wildlife: Game Wardens with high-profile vehicles
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Texas Department of State Health Services: Emergency medical teams and supplies
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Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Monitoring air and water infrastructure
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Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Supporting disaster assessments and rural preparedness
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ERCOT & PUC: Coordinating grid oversight and utility readiness
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TEA & HHSC: Monitoring impacts on schools and connecting families to resources via 2-1-1
A temporary waiver for commercial truck driving hours has been issued, allowing deliveries of essential items to continue during the storm.
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For Residents of Greater San Antonio
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Avoid travel after Saturday evening unless absolutely necessary
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Prepare for outages and stock essential supplies: flashlights, food, water, batteries, medications
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Wrap exposed outdoor pipes and know how to shut off water in case of burst lines
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Locate the nearest warming center at tdem.texas.gov/warm
Helpful Resources
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Road Conditions: DriveTexas.org
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Winter Safety Info: TexasReady.gov
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Emergency Help & Local Shelters: Call 2-1-1
While the ERCOT power grid is reportedly stable, residents are advised to use energy efficiently and check updates from local utility providers in case of service interruptions.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
