Weather update: official ‘extreme cold watch’ and ‘winter storm warning’ issued for coming weekend
A prickly pear cactus was coated in ice during the 2021 winter storm that swept through Central Texas. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
The National Weather Service issued an extreme cold watch and a winter storm warning on Thursday, Jan. 22, for the Highland Lakes area.
Burnet and Llano counties are expecting drastic drops in temperatures, sleet, snow, ice, and power outages from the night of Friday, Jan. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 25.
The Pedernales Electric Cooperative and Central Texas Electric Cooperative are both warning members that power outages and dangerous travel conditions are likely during the coming winter storm.
Extreme cold watch
An extreme cold watch is in effect from Saturday evening through Monday morning.
The weather will be relatively mild on Friday, with highs of 63 degrees, but rain and temperatures are expected to fall that night. By Saturday, the high is 35 degrees with a low of 17 degrees, and there is a 90 percent chance of precipitation.
Temperatures could get as low as 9 degrees by Sunday. Wind chill could drop lows even further, as low as 2 degrees or even below zero according to the NWS.
“Extreme cold will become life threatening and likely damage unprotected pipes and put livestock at risk,” reads the NWS cold watch notification issued on Thursday.
Skies will likely clear by Monday, but remain in the 30s.
Winter storm warning
The NWS winter storm warning is in effect Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon.
Accumulations of up to a quarter-inch of ice are likely across the Highland Lakes area, and could be thicker depending on the location.
Freezing rain could begin on Saturday morning and continue through the weekend.
“Persons should consider delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing,” reads the NWS warning. “Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.”