Freezing rain and sleet are expected throughout the Austin area starting Saturday and lasting through Sunday morning, the National Weather Service says.
Forecasters are warning that roads, including bridges and overpasses, will become slick and ice could accumulate on power lines and tree limbs, which could lead to power outages, starting Saturday. Wintry precipitation will be possible in the Austin area as early as Saturday evening.
Temperatures will be around 45 degrees during the day on Saturday before dropping to 21 degrees at night. There’s a 90% chance of precipitation on Saturday, which will fall to 30% on Sunday. Sunday will also see freezing temperatures with a high near 31 degrees and a low around 16 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.
Wind chills from Saturday evening to Monday morning could get as low as 2 degrees below zero, forecasters say.
Here’s what you need to know:
Pack a Storm Kit for Travel
Forecasters recommend delaying all travel this weekend. But if you must travel, use extreme caution and pack a winter storm kit. A kit should include items like tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, shovel, blankets, and extra clothing. Make sure to pack water and a first-aid kit, too.
When venturing outside, dress in layers and wear gloves.
Sign Up for Alerts
The city can alert Austinites through phone and email, but you can sign up for other alert services, too. You can sign up for notifications from Warn Central Texas online. The city will be providing weather updates online and recommends signing up for Ready Central Texas alerts or downloading their mobile app.
An accessible alert system for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or deaf and blind is also available online.
Get Your Emergency Supplies Ready To Go
It’s always good to have a few supplies on hand during a winter storm in Texas. The Department of Homeland Security has a great guide to building an emergency supply kit for your home. Items you should have include:
- One gallon of water per person per day for several days
- A several-day supply of non-perishable food
- Pet food and water
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Medicine including prescription and things like Tylenol
- Extra batteries
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- A whistle to signal for help
- A wrench or pair of pliers to turn off utilities (and, make sure you know where your water shut-off valve is)
- Manual can opener
- Family documents
Want to know more about the storm, and how to tell weather facts from fiction online? Listen to today’s podcast episode for a breakdown from CBS News Meteorologist Avery Tomasco. ⬇️
