Winter storm warning extended; expect wintry mix and chance of snow
The National Weather Service has extended a winter storm warning for Central Texas and the Highland Lakes through 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18, as another round of wintry mix, and possibly snow, is anticipated. Map courtesy of the National Weather Service
The National Weather Service is expecting another round of wintry mix and snow for the Highland Lakes early Thursday, Feb. 18.
In response, the service extended its winter storm warning until 6 p.m. Thursday. It was initially going to expire at 6 a.m. that day.
The NWS expects a “significant ice event” through Wednesday morning, making driving treacherous. This precipitation will also add to the ice already covering power lines and trees.
A break in precipitation is expected mid-day as temperatures could reach above freezing, leading to some melting of accumulated ice and snow. However, temperatures return below the freezing mark overnight.
A “final round of winter precipitation” is expected Wednesday night through Thursday morning. According to the NWS, it will likely start off as a sleet mix but change to snow Thursday morning.
Forecasters believe it could add another 1-3 inches of snow in some places. Unfortunately, weather service officials said this will fall on top of the remaining snow as well as any ice.
Officials are discouraging travel during this time, but if you must be on the road, they recommend putting extra flashlights and batteries, food, water, and blankets in your vehicle. Check drivetexas.org for updates on road conditions.
The NWS expects the Wednesday-Thursday winter storm to be the last of it. The winter weather moves out of Central Texas, giving way to sunny skies and highs in the upper 40s, on Friday, Feb. 19, followed by 50s and possibly 60s over the weekend.