WINTER WEATHER

The slippery roadways are catching many drivers by surprise as they underestimate the road conditions brought on by the winter storm.

Texas’ biggest fix to February’s deadly winter blackout that left more than 4 million people without power puts more focus on projections by the state’s climatologist but does not dwell on climate change after a deep freeze buckled the state’s unprepared electric grid.

Dan Patrick and marked the first major schism between the two chambers this legislative session. “The Texas Senate stood for individuals, and I’m proud of you,” Patrick told senators. “The House stood for big business.”ERCOT is a nonprofit entity that manages the power grid and controls the prices power generators charge to retail electric providers, such as power companies and city utilities. Outgoing ERCOT CEO Bill Magness and PUC Chair Arthur D’Andrea say the cap was necessary to incentivize generators to send power to the grid. Still, the rift emerging between the House and Senate marks the most visible difference yet between the two chambers, which have largely avoided open conflict this session until now.

SAN ANTONIO – If your property sustained damaged during last month’s winter storm, you could qualify for a temporary property tax exemption. Qualified properties include:tangible personal property used for income production if the owner filed a renditionresidential buildings (homes)commercial buildings (businesses)industrial buildings (manufacturing)multi-family buildings (apartments), and other real property buildingscertain manufactured homes. The temporary disaster area exemption applies to all counties in Texas and expires on Jan. 1, 2022. If you live in Bexar County, click here for more information and to download the application form. You can contact the Bexar County Appraisal District by phone at 210-242-2432.

SAN ANTONIO – We’ve seen how the February freeze hurt our plant, bat and fish populations, but how will it impact our insects? Molly Keck, an entomologist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Bexar County, says for most local insects the freeze won’t impact them. And to answer the question about the pesky mosquitos....she says no, the freeze didn’t kill all the mosquitos and fleas. “What usually affects them more than constant cold weather is when we have up and down cold snaps and it warms up. She says if we have a wet spring, we’ll see more mosquitos, ticks and fleas.

(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ERCOT CEO and president Bill Magness will be removed from his position in 60 days, according to an announcement by the ERCOT Board of Directors on Wednesday. According to a statement by the ERCOT Board of Directors­­­­­­­­, members met and directed the corporate secretary to “exercise the 60 days termination notice to ERCOT President and CEO Bill Magness pursuant to the employment agreement with ERCOT.”The board said Magness will continue to serve as president and CEO of ERCOT during the 60-day period and work with state leaders and regulators on potential reforms to ERCOT. “The ERCOT Board is expected to begin an immediate search for a new President and CEO, and will continue to discuss the transition plan at future meetings during this time period,” the board said in a statement to KSAT. In late February, following the winter storm that left millions across the state without power, six ERCOT board members resigned, including the director who acknowledged the “pain and suffering” that Texans experienced during the statewide power outages. Read also:Resigning ERCOT board members acknowledge “pain and suffering” from extreme power grid strain that caused outages for millions of TexansPolitical contributions link ERCOT board to Abbott and the state committee now investigating the troubled entityGriddy customers moved to other electricity providers after ERCOT boots it from Texas market

SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County has announced a $5 million plumbing assistance program for area residents to help cover property damages following the winter storm. The program helps both residents in unincorporated areas and suburban cities, regardless of who their water supplier is, officials said in a statement. Residents on private water wells are also eligible for financial assistance. Eligible residents may receive up to $1,500 for plumbing repairs—including broken pipes. Homeowner must not have received financial assistance from other sources for repairs (such as insurance, FEMA assistance, or other benefits)If you have any questions or need assistance, you can call 210-631-5000.

SAN ANTONIO – Just like so many in our viewing area the San Antonio Humane Society has experienced severe water damage from several busted pipes. Both of the nonprofit’s locations -- the main campus on Fredericksburg Road and its Brooks Spay and Neuter clinic on the South Side -- had split pipes from last week’s severe cold weather. The organization said the no kill animal shelter’s Brooks clinic had such severe damage that the staff there is working out of the main campus until the damage can be repaired. “Just like everyone else, this leak is going to be costly to our organization,” Kim Hinze, Director of Development & Public Relations for the San Antonio Humane Society said. AdThe nonprofit said thankfully the main campus that houses their animals didn’t loose power for long periods of time and that the animals were kept dry, warm and safe.

SAN ANTONIO – The roads are thawed, but the price to drive them is almost chilling. At some gas stations around San Antonio, the price for a gallon has hit the $2.50 mark. The price of a gallon surged 18 cents locally in just the past week, and is up 32 cents a gallon in one month. Next week, drivers may see pump prices back off, but that won’t last long. Related: San Antonio drivers encounter problems while searching for gas amid second snowfall

SAN ANTONIO – CPS Energy CEO Paula Gold-Williams says the electric utility will use “every tool in our toolbox” to get the cost of last week’s power crisis down. Still, she stopped short on Tuesday of promising that customers would not eventually shoulder that cost. The CPS CEO said that was the utility’s goal, but did not directly commit to the cost reaching customers in some capacity. But for whatever bill we had, what we would do is smooth out the cost,” Gold-Williams said. Fuel costs are typically passed down to CPS customers through the “fuel adjustment” charge on their bills.

SAN ANTONIO – KSAT Community is partnering with local nonprofits to help San Antonians recover from the aftermath of the winter storm last week. One of the groups that need your help is Roy Maas Youth Alternatives (RMYA). We also had several water heaters destroyed and some of our equipment was destroyed through the storm.”RMYA needs help with monetary donations to help repair multiple buildings, equipment and replace spoiled food. Donations can be made at rmya.org or can be sent to RMYA, 3103 West Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78213. AdRelated:San Antonio Food Bank seeks volunteers and food donations to help the community recover from winter stormAmerican Red Cross responds to winter storm and seeks blood donations in coming days, weeksKSAT Community operates in partnership with University Health, Energy Transfer and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Padre Island National Seashore staffers on Tuesday will begin to release hundreds of sea turtles who were “cold-stunned” during the winter storm. “As part of an ongoing rescue effort, hundreds of sea turtles were brought to Padre Island National Seashore, primarily from the Laguna Madre, where waters are relatively shallow and heavily influenced by cold air temperatures,” officials said in a statement. More cold stunned sea turtles are being found today as people head out to enjoy the nice weather. AdStaffers, volunteers and area partners have spent days patrolling inshore waters in and near Padre Island National Seashore on foot and in boats. AdRelated: Thousands of cold-stunned sea turtles being rescued in Texas

But experts say boiling the water may not be enough to stay safe. Low water pressure and water main breaks can cause contaminants and backflow from wastewater treatment plants to seep into water sources. “Mostly what we end up seeing are diarrhea illnesses from drinking contaminated water, brushing your teeth with contaminated water or swallowing water when you’re in the shower,” Barton said. Barton says that after drinking contaminated water, you’ll likely be spending a lot of time in the bathroom. AdIf you do become sick after drinking water, the most important thing to do is to rehydrate yourself with bottled or boiled water.

Water also seeped through walls down to three courtrooms on the fourth floor, 187th District Court Judge Stephanie Boyd said. ”We had some major damage in our court coordinator’s office,” Boyd said. ”We’re trying to keep the courthouse safe from folks coming in and getting sick as a result of the pandemic,” Rangel said. Rangel said that will likely continue in spite of any water damage. Related: Water pipe bust floods Bexar County DA’s office, damages files

POTEET, Texas – The area farmers who grew crops were unable to completely protect them against the record cold and are finding their prized harvest ruined after last week’s winter storm. “They got really cold, to the point where they just got brittle and they’re falling apart right now,” said Donovan Garcia Jr., who grows some of Poteet’s prized strawberries. Texas A&M AgriLife extension agents will be throughout affected areas assessing the damage and the economic impacts. Fernando Gonzalez, a major produce distributor, said he is “cautiously optimistic” because the supply is good. “There’s so much product that comes into Texas from all over the United States,” Gonzalez said.

SPRING BRANCH, Texas – Without any water for nine days, people who live in a Spring Branch gated subdivision say they’re getting desperate. “If we want to wash dishes, if we want to boil water for anything, this (pool water) is the water,” said Christy Ewings, who also lives in the subdivision. “You know, you (Canyon Lake Water Service Company) bills me every month. Canyon Lake Water Service Company provided the following update for area residents:We continue to make progress on water restoration throughout our service area. Read also:SAWS answers frequently asked questions about boil water notice, low water pressureHere are the boil water notices in the San Antonio areaThese boil water notices have been lifted in the San Antonio area

Food like rotisserie chickens can be bought with SNAP benefits. SAN ANTONIO – Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Sunday that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has received federal approval for SNAP recipients to use their food benefits to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals due to the severe weather in Texas. “As we continue to recover from this winter storm, the state is ensuring that Texans in need have access to hot food to feed their families,” Abbott said in a statement. Foods like rotisserie chickens and deli foods can be used by SNAP recipients. Related: Texas governor arrives in SA with crates of water flown in as part of winter storm relief efforts

SAN ANTONIO – As of Sunday morning, families in the San Antonio area were still dealing with the aftermath of the winter storm and water issues. Robert Puente, president and CEO of the San Antonio Water System, joined Leading SA on Sunday to discuss the latest on water service restoration. AdThere are still boil water notices in place for a majority of the San Antonio area. But the low pressure required under strict guidelines, state guidelines, that you had had to issue a boil water notice. To see SAWS’ boil notice map, click here.

Boil water notice issued as city of Kerrville experiences ‘unprecedented strain’ on water systemSAN ANTONIO – Millions of residents across the state and in the San Antonio region have had to undergo a boil water notice following this week’s winter storm. The Boil Water Notice Rescinded for customers in the Enchanted River Estates water system , Public Water System ID No. Boil Water Notice Rescinded for customers in the River Bend Estates water system , Public Water System ID No. Boil Water Notice Rescinded for customers in the Lake Medina Shores water system, Public Water System ID No. Boil Water Notice Rescinded for customers in the Woodhaven Mobile Home Park water system , Public Water System ID No.

(FEB 16 2021 FILE PHOTO Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. FILE - In this Feb. 16, 2021 file photo, Morgan Handley, left, helps move people to a warming shelter at Travis Park Methodist Church to help escape sub-freezing temperatures, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)Bexar County homeowners and residents in 77 other designated counties that were affected by this week’s devastating winter storm can now apply for federal assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Abbott’s request for major disaster declarationAccording to officials, If you have insurance and are applying for disaster assistance, you must also file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. If insurance does not cover all of your damages, you may be eligible to receive federal assistance.

As temperatures plunged and snow and ice whipped the state, much of Texas' power grid collapsed, followed by its water systems. Hypothermia can set in if the body loses heat faster than it can produce it and if it falls below about 95 degrees Fahrenheit. MedStar reached a peak on Wednesday with 77 hypothermia calls, Zavadsky said. “And that’s a vicious cycle because you can’t take the action you need to.”Some of the older people who died in Texas were found outside their homes. AdExtended nighttime lows in the single digits — as experienced by Texans this week — can be especially dangerous, Glatter said, since body temperatures naturally dip overnight.

Power outages: CenterPoint says ERCOT has ordered more reduction in power demandAUSTIN, Texas – While many CPS Energy customers have had their power restored, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas says there is still a possibility of some limited outages Thursday evening or Friday morning due to the frigid weather. Still, ERCOT said in a release Friday that it’s hopeful more energy generation will become available. These outages will help keep the grid stable when usage increases, according to ERCOT. According to CPS Energy’s outage map, as of around 7 p.m. Thursday, there are 215 active outages and 5,103 customers without power. RELATED: ERCOT suspends rolling outages, but CPS Energy customers without power may not see relief for days

SAN ANTONIO – A 69-year-old man was found dead Thursday at his home that was 35 degrees inside and had no working electricity, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said. The sheriff announced the man’s death in a Facebook live video Thursday afternoon. This is the second possible weather-related death this week. RELATED: Man dies from possible cold exposure in North Bexar County, Sheriff Salazar saysDeputies were dispatched to a residence in the 10800 block of Greenlake Drive for a welfare check of the man. Although a cause of death is unknown at this time, the sheriff said he believes it could be weather-related.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Water System customers can breathe a sigh of relief after officials say bills will be lower than expected for all customers. Residents in San Antonio have had to drip faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and some may have even had a leak due to a busted pipe from the below-freezing temperatures and wintry weather. This may have led to some concerns for residents on a potential spike in their next bill. “This extreme weather event has caused unimaginable hardships, and the last thing our neighbors need to worry about right now is their next water bill,” said SAWS president/CEO Robert R. Puente in a release. If you’re still unable to pay your bill’s full balance, visit SAWS’ website here.

SAN ANTONIO – United States Postal Service officials announced on Wednesday that some retail and delivery operations in the Rio Grande District service area that includes San Antonio has been “temporarily” suspended . The delivery suspension affects the following three-digit ZIP Codes in the district: 733, 765, 766, 779, 780, 781, 782, 783, 784, 785, 786, 787, 788, 789, 797, and 798. According to officials, all of the listed zip codes are experiencing “inclement conditions and intermittent power outages.”The delivery suspension does not affect any processing facilities. Stay InformedAs always, Your Weather Authority team will keep you updated. You can get the very latest forecast anytime by bookmarking our weather page and downloading the KSAT Weather Authority App - available for both Apple and Android devices.

NEW BRAUNFELS – The City of New Braunfels has established a warming center as area residents still deal with electrical outages and continued winter weather impact the area. City officials said the center will remain operational “until winter weather improves and rotating power outages are no longer necessary. However, those that will be using the Warming Center are encouraged to bring their own supplies. A 24-hour hotline has been established for those wishing to check on the status of space availability at the Warming Center: 830-221-4002. If you are in San Antonio and are in need of a warming center, click here for a full list of spaces.

SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County officials have provided the following updates related to roads, power, shelter and closures in the area. Shelter:AdIn Bexar County a variety of emergency shelters were made available:- The Bexar County Office of Emergency Management continues to support the City of San Antonio’s warming center at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center with personal protective equipment and volunteers. - The Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office has made available an emergency shelter option at their office. - The City of Converse emergency shelter for the Converse/Judson communities will continue to operate at the Judson High School Gymnasium, 9142 FM 78, Converse, TX 78109. 2 in conjunction with District 7 Fire Rescue have been working with the Bexar County Office of Emergency Management and the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council on Trauma (STRAC), to source medical oxygen.

NATALIA, Texas – The City of Natalia has notified all customers to boil water prior to drinking or cooking with it. According to a statement by the city on Wednesday, “public water system officials will notify customers” when it is no longer necessary to boil water. According to the city, water should be boiled for two minutes. Residents in the area should boil water for use when washing their hands, face, brushing teeth and drinking. You can get the very latest forecast anytime by bookmarking our weather page and downloading the KSAT Weather Authority App - available for both Apple and Android devices.

But hours after those assurances, the number of outages in Texas only rose, at one point exceeding 4 million customers. Forcing controlled outages was the only way to avert an even more dire blackout in Texas, Magness said. The outages are the widest Texas' grid has suffered but hardly a first in winter. A decade ago, another deep February freeze created power shortages in Texas the same week the Super Bowl was played in Arlington. A federal report later flagged failures in the system, including power plants that are unable to stand up to extreme cold.

SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Department of Transportation is warning drivers of a “fuel shortage” affecting parts of the state. “Parts of Texas have fuel shortages,” the department said. “If you must drive, top off before you hit the road.”Parts of Texas have fuel shortages. When possible, we are alerting drivers about this on our electronic highway signs too. “When possible, we are alerting drivers about this on our electronic highway signs too,” the department said.

SAN ANTONIO – Although the snow has come and gone, wintry conditions in the San Antonio region are continuing to pose unforeseen dangers as temperatures remain below-freezing. The San Antonio Water System is already responding to several calls and some are getting booted off of the queue due to the call volume, SAWS officials said. The water issues are likely due to electricity affecting water pumps or frozen pipes, according to Hayden. “What we are seeing in San Antonio is the intermittent electrical supply, in that our pumps can’t work without power. Watch: SAWS gives tips for frozen pipes during winter stormStay InformedAs always, Your Weather Authority team will keep you updated.

SAN ANTONIO – Icy roads and hazardous weather conditions did not keep people off the highways and streets of San Antonio from Sunday afternoon into Monday morning. The San Antonio Police Department responded to approximately 100 calls for weather-related accidents from 3 p.m. to midnight Sunday. The department received approximately 30 more calls for weather-related accidents from midnight to noon Monday after snow began to fall and highways and overpasses were shut down. AdEarlier Sunday afternoon, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said BCSO deputies had also been called out to dozens of accidents with injuries. To see the latest road conditions in and around San Antonio, click here.

San Antonio and Bexar County officials issued an emergency alert Sunday afternoon, warning residents that many streets and highways would be closed due to the icy conditions. SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio - Bexar County Office of Emergency Management issued a public safety alert Sunday afternoon, warning residents that all major SA highways and other roads are closed due to the icy conditions. Residents are urged to avoid travel and stay home, as the wintry weather continues to impact the South Texas region through Sunday and early Monday. “The public should stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary to travel,” city officials said in a release. RELATED: Check current road conditions, closures in San Antonio areaFor more on the latest forecast, click here.

SAN ANTONIO – With icy road conditions and wintry weather in full effect in the San Antonio region, Sheriff Salazar is warning residents to stay home and avoid travel. As of Sunday afternoon, Sheriff Salazar said in a briefing that the BCSO has been called to 100 crashes related to the icy conditions so far. Of those crashes, 10 had injuries, 48 did not have injuries, and the rest were miscellaneous. No easy way to say it,” Sheriff Salazar said. AdTo see the latest road conditions in and around San Antonio, click here.

JUNCTION, Texas – The Junction Police Department is reporting that it has no radio communications after their county radio tower collapsed on Sunday. In a video posted to the department’s Facebook page, an officer can be seen walking around the debris. “There is supposed to be another tower standing right here. It came down like crazy in a bunch of pieces.”We have no radio communication because we have no tower. Now it is even more important not to call dispatch unless you really need something.

SAN ANTONIO – A Bexar County sheriff’s deputy is recovering in the hospital after his patrol vehicle was struck by an intoxicated driver, according to Sheriff Javier Salazar. The incident happened Saturday night as the deputy was assisting a motorist who had been injured in an accident on the side of the roadway. Sheriff Salazar said as Deputy Fernando Luna got into his patrol vehicle, the driver, Anthony Frias, 31, hit the vehicle from behind. Sheriff Salazar said he expects he will make a full recovery and return to work soon. Deputy Luna is a SWAT deputy with the sheriff’s office.

The San Antonio Fire Department is warning residents to stay home and avoid travel after one of its own fire trucks overturned on an icy roadway overnight. SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Fire Department is warning residents to stay home and avoid travel after one of its own fire trucks overturned on an icy roadway early Sunday morning. McManus hinted at the possibility of area highways that are heading north may be closed overnight, as the winter weather conditions are expected to worsen. To see the latest road conditions in and around San Antonio, click here. You can get the very latest forecast anytime by bookmarking our weather page and downloading the KSAT Weather Authority App - available for both Apple and Android devices.

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas – The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is urging consumers and businesses to limit their electricity use as much as possible on Sunday. The winter storm that has moved across our region has caused temperatures to drop well below average for this time of year. According to ERCOT officials, the cold weather in the area has resulted in a “record-breaking demand on the power grid.” However, there are a few ways you can reduce your electric usage at home. Here’s how you can help reduce electricity use, according to ERCOT:Set thermostats to 68 degrees while at home, or as low as comfortably tolerable. You can get the very latest forecast anytime by bookmarking our weather page and downloading the KSAT Weather Authority App - available for both Apple and Android devices.

Bob Hall Pier is closed until further notice due to construction. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will temporarily close some saltwater fishing spots along the coast — including some on Padre Island and near Rockport, Fulton and Aransas Pass — due to freezing weather. The 21 fishing sites will close at midnight on Monday and stay closed until 11:59 p.m., TPWD said in a news release on Saturday. During that time, fishing will be off-limits in these areas in an effort to protect the wildlife and resources. You can get the very latest forecast anytime by bookmarking our weather page and downloading the KSAT Weather Authority App - available for both Apple and Android devices.

KSAT viewers sent in great images of icy conditions and snow to our KSAT Connect page throughout the weekend and overnight into Monday morning as temperatures plunged. AdWidespread winter weather moved in late Sunday and will continue through very early Monday morning. A mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow swept across the KSAT viewing area while temperatures fell into the low 20s and teens. Watch a live feed from our crews out in the field and get updates from KSAT Meteorologist Kaiti Blake & KSAT Meteorologist Adam Caskey as they track tonight's winter weather. You can get the very latest forecast anytime by bookmarking our weather page and downloading the KSAT Weather Authority App - available for both Apple and Android devices.

SAN ANTONIO – Several organizations and ministries in San Antonio are stepping up to help the homeless population amid the wintry weather this weekend. Before the pandemic, Church Under the Bridge, located on Chestnut Street, was able to take in about 90 people to say in its warm building. At 5:30 p.m., Saturday, the ministry will hand out tickets to the first 30 people standing in line. AdIf you do miss the chance to get a ticket to stay overnight inside, they will also be giving out 30 tickets again on Sunday and Monday night. RELATED: Shelters, nonprofits, churches in San Antonio ready to help during frigid weather

AUSTIN – Update:Governor Greg Abbott announced Sunday that the White House has granted a Federal Emergency Declaration for Texas in response to the severe winter weather throughout the state. “This disaster declaration provides Texas with additional resources and assistance that will help our communities respond to this winter weather.”This comes after Gov. Abbott held a press briefing Saturday, saying he was filing a request for the federal aid just one day before the winter weather set in Central and South Texas. Greg Abbott is asking for a federal emergency declaration from the federal government as the state begins to combat severe winter weather that has set in this weekend across Texas. The declaration will provide more resources and assistance at the federal level for the state during the expected deep freeze.

SAN ANTONIO – VIA Metropolitan Transit bus routes will follow a Sunday schedule on Monday through Wednesday, due to the worsening winter weather conditions in the San Antonio region. All VIA transit services will not be operating, beginning at 6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 14, through 12 p.m., Monday, Feb. 15. This is during the most severe part of the winter weather. However, all service modes are being effected by the hazardous winter weather, according to VIA officials. AdBelow are the route schedule changes for this week:VIA schedule changes for Sunday, Feb. 14, through Thursday, Feb. 18.

SAN ANTONIO – A community-wide response is underway in San Antonio ahead of the frigid weather expected over the next few days to assist the city’s homeless population. SARA has been a five-year-long community effort to better serve the city’s homeless population. She said in a time like this, at least 10 churches and nonprofits have stepped up to do their part. The city also has a homeless hotline, 210-207-1799, for more information, including how to help and where to volunteer. RELATED: City of San Antonio, partner agencies to provide shelter to homeless during frigid nights