National Weather Service issues Winter Storm Warning

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Hays County. 

The warning goes into effect on Thursday at 3 a.m. and stretches through the day until 6 p.m. 

The San Marcos area is expected to see patchy fog then rain showers Wednesday, according to NWS. Alongside rain, San Marcos will see a strong, arctic cold front blow through the region. Rain will continue overnight as temperatures plummet to near freezing. NWS is forecasting a 90% chance of wintry mix Thursday as temperatures struggle to get above freezing. 

NWS’ winter weather warning states that significant icing is expected with a mix of freezing rain and sleet. Additionally, ice accumulations of 1/10 to 1/4 of an inch is expected. Total sleet accumulations of ¼ to ½-inches is possible across the Hill Country. 

NWS meteorologist Aaron Treadway said Monday that it’s going to get, “really cold behind the front,” with low temperatures in the 20s on Friday and Saturday morning. 

“It’s going to be very cold those nights regardless of any precipitation chances for San Marcos,” Treadway said. “Those are just the ambient temperatures. The real temperatures if you start factoring in what it feels like — it’s going to be windy behind the front — so we could see wind chills in the teens and possibly even the single digits for Friday morning as the north winds continue behind the front and those temperatures drop into the 20s for lows.”

NWS' forecast states that the cold front is expected to bring the coldest temperatures to the region this winter so far.

NWS is warning that travel could be “very difficult” on untreated roads, especially elevated bridges, overpasses and roadways. Additionally, sidewalks and pavement will be slippery to walk on. NWS also warns that there’s a risk for hypothermia for those who spend extended time outdoors and are not dressed in layers and gloves. 

Ahead of Thursday’s winter weather, Hays County reminds residents to take care of the four Ps: people, pets, pipes and plants. Additionally, the Hays County Office of Emergency Management has coordinated with various entities for warming stations in case massive power outages occur across the county, the county said in a social media post.