Bundle up, gang — San Antonio and other areas across the state may experience freezing rain and even snow later this week as temperatures plummet.
On Monday, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the state’s electric grid operator, issued a weather watch through Friday — warning residents that freezing temperatures could lead to higher electricity demand and the potential for lower reserves.
ERCOT says it is “monitoring conditions closely” and that it “will deploy all available tools to manage the grid, continuing a reliability-first approach to operations.” ERCOT’s weather watch is not a call for conservation from consumers.
In December, ERCOT officials released a report warning residents that Texas could face a cold event similar to Winter Storm Uri, which caused the power grid to fail in February 2021. The analysis found an 80% chance of blackouts if the state experiences a similar winter storm. The report also indicated that these blackouts are most likely to occur during the morning hours in January.
Orlando Bermudez, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said a cold air mass from Canada moved into the Texas area Sunday evening and is expected to linger through this weekend. Bermudez added that a low-pressure system moving into the area on Thursday brings with it chances for freezing rain and/or a “wintry mix,” with chances for snow being somewhat higher in the north Texas area around Dallas-Fort Worth.
“We’re still working out those details as we watch those two systems,” Bermudez told the San Antonio Report. “Those high-resolution models are just now coming in, but we are definitely seeing a possibility of precipitation Wednesday moving into Thursday, Friday.”
Bermudez warned that roads in the area could get slippery and urged locals to check for closures before heading out later in the week.
Early last month, officials from CPS Energy — San Antonio’s municipally owned electric utility — said its local power plants are ready for cold weather and have been sufficiently prepared for such weather.
The electric utility re-posted city and state warnings about the cold front Monday, including a notice from the City of San Antonio on how to prepare for freezing weather and on city requirements for opening up warming centers.
The City of San Antonio encourages residents to prepare for cold weather with the “four Ps”: People, pets, pipes and plants.
People are recommended to keep dry and dress in layers, and to check on family and friends who may be vulnerable to the cold. Pets should be kept inside warm and safe or should be provided with adequate shelter away from the wind with water and food.
Pipes should be covered, with outdoor faucets left to slowly drip to prevent them from freezing — which can cause them to burst when weather thaws. Potted plants should be brought inside, and it is recommended outdoor plants be covered to prevent them from freezing.
The city has opened warming shelters throughout the area to provide a heated refuge for those seeking shelter from the cold during the day, said Brian Chasnoff, assistant director of Communications for the City of San Antonio.
See a map of the city and county’s warming sites here.
The city has been working with its homeless shelter partners such as Haven for Hope said Alanna Reed, director of communications and engagement for the City of San Antonio.
“We’re working to make sure anyone that wants to be off the streets has a warm safe place to stay,” Reed said, even overnight. Though usually prohibited, pets and medications will be accepted at shelters during the freeze, Reed added, and transportation can be provided for those who need it.
Residents who need help can call the city’s help hotline at 210-207-1799, she said.
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