The city of San Antonio and other organizations are getting ready for the potential of wintry weather beginning later Jan. 19.
The National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio office has issued a winter storm watch for South Central Texas for all day and night Jan. 20.
According to the NWS, the high temperature for Jan. 19 will reach 75 degrees by 5 p.m., but temperatures will then quickly drop with the arrival of a strong front.
The NWS forecasts local temperatures reaching 32 degrees by 8 a.m. Jan. 20 and daytime temperatures getting no higher than 35 degrees in the late afternoon. Overnight temperatures are expected to hit 29 degrees late Jan. 20.
The NWS also said there is a chance locally for a wintry mix of light rain and sleet in central San Antonio on Jan. 20, with the potential for ice on sidewalks, bridges and overpasses. Light rain, sleet and snow are forecasted for parts of the Hill Country and west of San Antonio.
Public agencies and other organizations are preparing for the wintry weather.
In social media posts, the city of San Antonio is encouraging people to dress warmly and check on neighbors and elderly loved ones, cover outdoor pipes, let faucets slowly drip and cover outdoor plants or bring them inside.
San Antonio Water System said on social media that exposed pipes can be protected with foam covers or cloth rags. Visit www.saws.org/beready for more on preparation tips.
CPS Energy in a social media post said customers can expect the utility to share updates via text messaging, email or Twitter as the latest weather reports are made available.
CPS Energy customers wanting such updates via text messaging or email may update their emergency contact information through “Manage My Account” at http://cpsenergy.com/mma or by calling 210-353-2222. More safety tips can be found http://cpsenergy.com/wintersafety.
The San Antonio Animal Care Services Department issued a press statement urging residents to protect their pets.
“New state law dictates dogs can no longer be tethered with chain at any time; however, the state and city animal laws also dictate dogs cannot be left outdoors, restrained and unattended in the case of officially defined extreme weather or situations in which an animal is in severe distress,” the statement said.
ACS also said outdoor dogs should be brought inside during inclement weather but even after temperatures warm, pets must always be provided shelter, shade and access to drinkable water.
According to the statement, animal care officers will be on patrol through the rest of the week addressing potential violations, with violators potentially facing impoundment of their pet, fines up to $2,000 and 180 days in jail for repeat offenders.
Residents may report possible animal ordinance violations by calling the city’s 311 customer service line seven days a week.
Community Labs said they are temporarily suspending COVID-19 testing on Jan. 20 at its nine public collection sites, citing “potential freezing rain and dangerous driving conditions."
Community Labs said testing will resume at 8 a.m. Jan. 21.
Preregistration at www.cltest.org is encouraged but not required.
