Austin, Texas – A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Austin area beginning early Saturday, with freezing rain and sleet expected to create hazardous travel conditions across Central Texas.
According to the National Weather Service Austin–San Antonio, freezing temperatures are forecast to spread into the region early Saturday morning as an Arctic cold front moves through. Forecasters say precipitation developing during this period is likely to fall as freezing rain and sleet, leading to ice accumulation on roadways, bridges, and overpasses.
The Winter Storm Warning for areas along and north of the Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 90 corridor, which includes Austin, is scheduled to begin at 3 a.m. Saturday and remain in effect through noon Sunday. Areas mainly south of I-10 and U.S. 90 will see the warning begin later, at 3 p.m. Saturday. A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect for portions of the region from midnight Saturday through noon Sunday.
Ice accumulation of one-tenth to one-quarter of an inch is possible within the warning area, with isolated locations seeing up to one-half inch of ice, the agency said. Even lighter ice amounts can make untreated roads slick and dangerous.
Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through much of the weekend in the warned areas, raising concerns about residual ice on road surfaces even after precipitation ends. Officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and use caution if driving is unavoidable.
The conditions could significantly impact early-morning commuters, service workers, and students returning to campus activities over the weekend.
The National Weather Service advised residents to monitor local forecasts and road conditions and to prepare for rapidly changing travel conditions as the storm develops.
