Brutal Winter Blast Headed To Austin Region

AUSTIN, TX — After several days of spring-like weather, wintry weather will return in the coming days with a vengeance across the region, including a predicted low of 16 degrees forecast by the weekend amid sleet and snow.

First, there will be rain. According to the National Weather Service, a chance of showers and thunderstorms is likely after 3 p.m. on Wednesday. The region will be cloudy, with a high near 48 degrees. Northern winds will blow at 10 mph, with a chance of precipitation placed at 60 percent.

By nightfall, showers are likely and possibly a thunderstorm before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between midnight and 3 a.m., forecasters predict. Cloudy skies will bring a low temperature of 33 degrees, with chances of precipitation increasing to 70 percent.

On Thursday, showers and possibly a thunderstorm are forecast. The high will reach 41 degrees, with wind gusts potentially reaching 20 mph. The chance of precipitation increases even more, to 80 percent, according to meteorologists.

Check DriveTexas.org for real-time road conditions

Thursday night will bring a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. It's going to be cloudy, with a low around 35, according to weather forecasters. North wind will be around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph possible.

Friday's high temperature will reach 44 degrees, meteorologists say, and those 20 mph winds will continue to blow. By nightfall, forecasters added, the low temperature will dip to 33 degrees. There is a slight chance of rain showers and sleet before noon, then a slight chance of rain showers. It will be cloudy, with a high near 44 degrees, and the chance of precipitation reduces to 20 percent.

By Saturday, things start to get really dicey.

Saturday night calls for mostly cloudy conditions with a low temperature of around 24 degrees, with wind gusts of up to 20 mph. Sunday will start off mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. But by nightfall, the low is expected to dip to 22 degrees with a chance of precipitation at 60 percent.

Presidents Day on Monday will be downright chilly. Some people will be given the day off in observance of the holiday, but it will be too cold to go out for all but the bravest folks. The high temperature will barely reach 33 degrees, forecasters are saying, and there will be a chance of rain showers, snow, and sleet. Chance of precipitation: 50 percent.

And Monday night will be brutal, with a low of around 16 degrees. That is not a typo. Sixteen degrees.

TxDot launches road work ahead of winter blast

"With another winter storm approaching, the Texas Department of Transportation has begun the pretreatment of bridges and overpasses on major Austin roads," state transportation officials wrote in an advisory. "Once pretreatment is complete, crews will continue to monitor the roads throughout the weekend and into next week and retreat as needed."

The Austin District is working closely with the National Weather Service to monitor conditions, officials added. "Motorists can also do their part by driving carefully and following these guidelines." The advice:

• Use caution when driving over bridges and overpasses. These are the first to freeze.
• Reduce your speed. A vehicle needs at least three times more space to stop on a slick roadway. Do not apply the brakes suddenly, and avoid using cruise control, so that you can respond better if you encounter slippery roads.
• Slow down when approaching emergency or maintenance vehicles, especially when their flashing lights are on. The law requires you to maintain a distance of at least 200 feet when approaching crews, and do not pass on the right. Visibility can also be reduced during winter weather conditions.
• Be patient. Your trip time – including short commutes to work – could increase when adverse weather conditions exist. Also, keep to the main roads and avoid taking shortcuts through territory that may not have been treated.
• Winterize vehicles before traveling during adverse weather. Check fuel, tire, oil and antifreeze levels. Make sure heater, brakes, and windshield wipers are working properly.
• Check area weather conditions on the radio or television before starting a trip.

For real-time roadway conditions, check DriveTexas.org.

Austin Water officials issue tips

Ahead of the winter blast, Austin Water issued tips for residents keen on protecting their property and prevent property damage, and preventing uncontrolled water loss due to frozen or broken water pipes. Following are those helpful tips:

Before Freezing Weather

• Wrap all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of the home.
• Remove garden hoses from outside faucets.
• Cover vents around the foundation of your home.
• Know where your property owner’s cut-off valve is located and how to use it. Apply oil such as WD-40 to the valve before operating to help prevent the valve from breaking. The valve should be located near or adjacent to the water meter box.

In Sub-Freezing Weather

• Drip outside faucets 24 hours a day (5 drops per minute). This is not necessary unless temperatures are expected to be 28 degrees or below for at least 4 hours. (Be sure to turn off the faucets after the threat of freezing weather.)
• Open cabinet doors under sinks adjacent to outside walls.
• In unheated garages, shut off water to washing machines. Water softeners should be drained and protected from freezing temperatures.
• In sustained sub-freezing weather, let water drip slowly from inside faucets.
• Take extra precautions to protect pipes that have frozen in the past.

If You Are Not Going To Be At Home

• Shut the water off at the property owner’s cut-off valve.
• Drain all outside water faucets if your house will be unoccupied for several days (leave outside faucets open).
• Or, leave the home heating system on at a low setting.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks adjacent to outside walls.

Renters and tenants may be responsible for personal property damage caused by broken water pipes during severe weather conditions, utility officials noted. Residents should contact property management/landlord or maintenance personnel to locate the property owner’s cut-off valve and find ways to avoid pipe breakage during a freeze, officials added.

"Austin Water encourages all customers to turn off irrigation systems during the winter months to help conserve water," utility officials wrote. "However, businesses that continue to operate landscape irrigation systems are asked to shut their systems off in order to prevent possible freezing of pedestrian areas and damage caused by freezing conditions."

If a water line breaks and the cut off valve does not work or the customer is unable to locate or operate the value, Austin Water is available to turn off the water. Call Austin Water’s 24-Hour Emergency Hotline at (512) 972-1000, Option 1. For more information, visit the Austin Water website.