Winter Storm Warning Extended Through Thursday, Worst Is Yet to Come

The U.S. National Weather Service Austin-San Antonio today extended its Winter Storm Warning for Comal County through 6 a.m. Thursday.

The warning originally was set to expire on Wednesday.

10:22 p.m. Tuesday Update from weather service: Significant icing is now expected. Additional ice accumulations of a quarter to three-quarters of an inch will be possible in much of south-central Texas including the southern Edwards Plateau, Hill Country, I-35 corridor and coastal plains.

2:30 p.m. Tuesday Update from Comal County and the weather service: The worst of the storm arrives Wednesday morning as a heavier round of freezing rain and embedded sleet is possible from overnight tonight through Wednesday afternoon,  posing the potential for continued, substantial travel disruptions.

The freezing line is expected to creep southward overnight. Temperatures will hover in the very low 30s in the New Braunfels area. Highs Wednesday are expected between 35-36 degrees.

Through Thursday morning, the New Braunfels area could see additional ice accumulations of between 0.1-0.25 inches.

Temperatures will rise above freezing in some areas during the afternoon, with precipitation type changing to rain.

Comal County road crews continue to monitor all county-maintained roadways and will treat impacted areas with de-icing material. Drivers are asked to pay attention to all warning signs and not to drive around barricades.

The public is asked to stay home.

Much of south-central Texas, including portions of the southern Edwards Plateau, Hill Country, I-35 corridor and coastal plains are included in this warning.

“This is a significant event and we urge (people) to take the necessary precautions,” the weather service said.

“Needle” snowflake type is developing cold low levels in a few areas north and northwest of Austin but most of the cloud layer is too warm for snow there.

Non-emergency travel is discouraged. Numerous power outages are still possible. Those who must dive are advised to keep an extra flashlight, food and water in vehicles.

Pct. 1 Comal County Constable’s Office reports the intersection of Highway 281 northbound and FM 311 has been the scene of several major motor vehicle crashes today.

“The Comal County Constable’s Office in Pct. 1 in connection with Pct. 4 would like to remind motorists to be aware of traffic when approaching this intersection,” an administrator posted on Facebook. “Please consider reducing your speed and if the decision is made to go through the intersection under the yellow signal light, proceed with caution. There will be increased presence at this intersection based on requests from the community. Stay safe!”

On Twitter, Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) warns accumulating ice on trees will continue to affect its Thursday service area through Thursday morning. Conditions could weigh down branches and interfere with power lines.

To get outage updates visit outages.pec.coop.

New Braunfels Police Department warns drivers to stay off the road but if driving, to use extra caution, especially on bridges and overpasses.

New Braunfels ISD closed schools this morning.

The weather service recommends the public visit this weather.gov page to learn more about how ice accumulation is measured.

(Editor’s Note: This story was last updated at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday)