SAN ANTONIO – With below-freezing temperatures expected to arrive this weekend, Texas officials and agencies are preparing for potential icy conditions in San Antonio.
The KSAT Weather Authority team expects a strong front to sweep through Friday afternoon, with gusty winds.
Temperatures will drop from near 70 degrees on Friday afternoon to near freezing by Saturday morning, followed by cold rain.
At least some ice is likely for Saturday, according to the KSAT Weather Authority team. The amount of ice and its impacts remain uncertain and will become clearer as the weekend nears.
Gov. Abbott activates state emergency response resources
On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of potential winter weather impacts.
“Based on current forecasts, the State of Texas is acting to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas,” Abbott said in a news release.
TDEM has activated the following state emergency response resources:
- Public Utility Commission of Texas
- Railroad Commission of Texas
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Public Works Response Team)
- Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System)
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
- Texas Department of Information Resources
- Texas Department of Public Safety
- Texas Department of State Health Services (Emergency Medical Task Force)
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
- Texas Division of Emergency Management
- Texas Education Agency
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission
- Texas National Guard
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Hill Country, San Antonio-area H-E-B stores adjust hours
Hill Country and San Antonio-area H-E-B stores have adjusted their hours for the weekend.
The following stores will have a change in operating hours this weekend.
- All San Antonio area H-E-B stores
- Cibolo
- Floresville
- Schertz
- Pleasanton
- Fair Oaks
- Leon Springs
- Lytle
The stores will close at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, and will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25.
The following stores will have a change in operating hours from Saturday to Monday:
- Kerrville 1
- Kerrville 2
- Fredericksburg
- Boerne
- Bulverde
- New Braunfels 1
- New Braunfels 2
- New Braunfels 3
- Seguin
- La Vernia
The stores will follow these adjusted hours:
- Saturday, Jan. 24: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 25: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Monday, Jan. 26: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Central Market will close at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 and reopen at 8 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25.
“At H-E-B, our top priority is taking care of Texas. ... Our stores are receiving product deliveries, and our dedicated Partners will restock shelves throughout the day, so we can serve our customers with the products they need,” an H-E-B spokesperson said.
ERCOT, CPS Energy expects to have enough power to meet demand
Based on the forecast, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) said it expects to have enough power on the grid to meet demand this weekend.
ERCOT officials said the organization will use every tool available, working closely with the Public Utility Commission, power plant operators and transmission crews across the state to keep the grid stable.
Since 2021, ERCOT has made major reliability upgrades, including weatherization and inspections, faster backup reserves and ensuring generators have firm fuel supplies.
A CPS Energy spokesperson said the utility will have enough energy to meet the demand.
“So, you know, we prepared our plants, we prepared our people, we have enough energy supply, but we’re still asking for conservation, why? Because it helps save money on your bills. The majority of your energy costs goes to heating and cooling,” Milady Nazir said to KSAT on Tuesday.
TxDOT could possibly pre-treat roads
TxDOT told KSAT that crews may pre-treat roads later in the week, however it is still too early in the forecast to share any definite plans.
“TxDOT crews are currently working to prepare equipment and materials in the event we begin pretreatment operations,” the agency said.
To keep up with the latest weather forecast, click here.