Abilene, Texas – Hazardous winter weather will continue to impact the Abilene area today as freezing rain and sleet give way to a heavier round of wintry precipitation expected this afternoon through tonight.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Abilene and San Angelo, areas of freezing rain early this morning are shifting east, bringing slick conditions to roadways across the Heartland. While a temporary lull in precipitation is expected through mid-morning, forecasters say this break will be short-lived.
A second and more impactful wave of wintry precipitation is forecast to develop later this afternoon and persist through the overnight hours. In the Abilene and Big Country region, precipitation is expected to fall as a mix of sleet and snow, with periods of moderate to occasionally heavy intensity. Areas farther south may initially see freezing rain and sleet before transitioning to sleet and snow overnight.
The National Weather Service warns that even brief periods of heavier precipitation can rapidly deteriorate road conditions. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated roadways are expected to become slick, especially tonight as temperatures remain below freezing.
While specific accumulation amounts were not emphasized in the update, forecasters stress that travel impacts are likely regardless of totals due to the duration of the event and repeated rounds of wintry precipitation. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for much of the region.
Travel Saturday night and early Sunday morning is expected to be particularly difficult. Residents are urged to complete essential travel before conditions worsen and to avoid unnecessary trips once heavier precipitation redevelops.
Young workers, students, and overnight shift employees may face the greatest risk during late-night and early-morning hours when precipitation rates increase and visibility drops.
Precipitation is expected to gradually taper around sunrise Sunday, though icy conditions may linger into the morning hours.
The National Weather Service advises residents to continue monitoring updates as the storm evolves and road conditions change rapidly.
