Arctic front to arrive sooner and bring chance of freezing rain

The latest update from the Austin/San Antonio National Weather Service forecast office has this season’s strongest cold front arriving now earlier than initially predicted and bringing with it the possibility of precipitation.

“While initial models showed the arctic front getting here late Sunday night, now they predict it will arrive starting early Saturday evening and be all throughout the area by 6 a.m. Sunday,” said Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator William B. “Dub” Thomas. “It also was first expected to be a dry front, but now there is a 30- to 40% chance it will have light, freezing rain across South Central Texas – mostly just north of I-10 and east of TX281 Sunday evening through Monday morning,” Thomas added.

A brisk north wind will produce very low wind chill index values Sunday through Tuesday nights, the NWS stated. Hard freezes are likely Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, it continued, while some areas have the potential to see more than 60 hours of below freezing temperatures, the NWS stated.

Daytime temperatures will warm into the 30s after the front is on the scene, but the low temperatures will dip down near 10 degrees or even single digits.

“Please take action to protect your pipes, pets, plants and people who may be at risk,” Thomas said.

“Be sure to keep some water in gallon or 5-gallon containers. If your pipes freeze up, then you’ll still have some water for drinking and flushing toilets,” Thomas said.

“Also, if you use space heaters, please use them with caution at all times. Don’t leave anything flammable within three feet of space heaters,” he added. “If you think you might be low on natural gas or propane for your home, then get it now in advance.”

Additionally, put a blanket or two, a flashlight with fresh batteries and some drinking water in your vehicles. “If your car breaks down somewhere, then those supplies will come in handy if you have to wait for help,” Thomas added.

Tips on how to care for pets during such a cold snap are offered by Kerr County Animal Services HERE.

Another weather update is anticipated Saturday afternoon, Jan. 13.

To view today's afternoon briefing slides from the National Weather Service, click the "Download Article" button.