Winter Storm Blair is bringing heavy snow, ice, and extremely low temperatures as the system moves east across the U.S.
Central Texas could see a mix of freezing rain, sleet and snow later this week, according to the National Weather Service — and chances are increasing. Here is what meteorologists are saying.
What are the chances of snow in Central Texas this week?
According to the NWS, most of North and Central Texas could experience a wintry mix, with snow potentially falling in some areas. While accumulations appear possible, it’s too early to provide specific details.
North Texas may see 1-3 inches of snow between Wednesday night and Friday morning, the NWS forecasts.
Odds for a wintry mix of rain, sleet, and snow in Central Texas have increased, with a 30% chance of at least 1/2 inch of snow between Wednesday night and Thursday night, according to the NWS.
However, the exact amount and type of precipitation will depend on the timing of an overhead disturbance and how warm or cold the temperatures ultimately are.
Austin cold weather shelters open
The city of Austin will open its cold weather shelters until at least Thursday, it announced over the weekend. Shelter registration will take place at One Texas Center, at 505 Barton Springs Road, between 6 and 8 p.m. every evening, the news release said.
Overnight shelters are opened when nighttime temperatures at Camp Mabry are projected to reach 35 degrees or below.
CapMetro offering free rides to warming centers
Due to possible inclement weather, CapMetro is offering fare-free rides to One Texas Center for those looking for a warming center.
Bus routes to One Texas Center include: 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105, 142, and 801.
For more information about CapMetro services, visit capmetro.org/weather, follow CapMetro on X at x.com/capmetroatx, and sign up for service alerts.
Texas braces for dangerous road conditions
Texas is also bracing for potential icy road conditions as a cold front sweeps across the state. NWS has issued warnings for freezing temperatures and possible wintry precipitation, including snow and sleet.
The Texas Department of Transportation has pre-treated major highways to lower the freezing point and prevent ice from bonding to the roads. However, drivers are advised to exercise caution, especially on elevated surfaces like bridges and overpasses, which are more ice-prone.
Temperatures are anticipated to stay in the mid to low 20s until midweek, which may lead to hazardous icy conditions for travel.
— American-Statesman reporter Bianca Moreno-Paz contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Wintry mix possible in Austin area as winter storm hits Central Texas