Texas Winter Storm Prompts Freezing Rain Warning for Saint Anthony This Weekend
Table of Contents
- 1. Texas Winter Storm Prompts Freezing Rain Warning for Saint Anthony This Weekend
- 2. What to Expect This Weekend
- 3. Why It Matters for Texas
- 4. Safety Tips and Preparations
- 5. Key Facts at a Glance
- 6. Evergreen Insights
- 7. After 04:00 CST.
- 8. Freezing Rain Forecast for Saint Anthony
- 9. Impacts on Travel and Safety
- 10. Preparedness Checklist (Instant Action)
- 11. Local Emergency Services Response
- 12. Historical Context: Past freezing Rain Events
- 13. What to Expect as the Storm Moves Into Central Texas
- 14. Power Outage Mitigation Tips
- 15. Road Conditions and travel Advisories
- 16. Community Resources
A Texas winter storm is forecast to bring freezing rain to Saint Anthony this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters warn that ice could accumulate and create slick travel conditions as the system moves through the region.
What to Expect This Weekend
Officials say the precipitation will primarily take the form of freezing rain,raising the risk of hazardous driving and icy sidewalks. If ice accumulates, there could be disruptions to daily life and possible power interruptions in affected areas. The timing and severity depend on the storm’s path and temperature profile,which may shift with new weather data. Stay tuned to local alerts and the NWS for the latest updates.
Why It Matters for Texas
A Texas winter storm can disrupt transportation, school schedules, and buisness operations, even with modest ice totals. Prepared residents are advised to monitor forecasts, limit nonessential travel, and ensure homes and vehicles are ready for icy conditions.
Safety Tips and Preparations
As freezing rain approaches, consider reducing travel and securing necessary supplies.If you must drive, allow extra time, slow down, and maintain a longer following distance. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle and follow official guidance from authorities and utilities about power restoration and road conditions.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | details |
|---|---|
| Forecast | Freezing rain associated with a Texas winter storm |
| Location | Saint Anthony, Texas |
| Timeframe | This weekend |
| impacts | Slick roads, potential power interruptions |
for the latest forecast, visit the National Weather Service forecast page. External resources: National Weather Service.
Evergreen Insights
Texas winter storms underscore the importance of proactive planning. Keeping an up-to-date emergency kit, staying informed through official channels, and coordinating with neighbors can reduce risk during ice events. As patterns shift with climate trends, residents should watch for changes in how winter weather affects infrastructure and daily life across the region.
What steps are you taking to stay safe this weekend? Have you prepared an emergency kit or adjusted travel plans due to the forecast?
Share your experiences in the comments to help others prepare for the weekend weather.
After 04:00 CST.
.### Storm Overview
- System name: Winter Storm Athena (NWS designation)
- Timing: Saturday night into Sunday morning, 2026‑01‑24 – 01‑25
- Path: Originates over the Southern Plains, intensifies over Oklahoma, then sweeps northeast across the Dallas‑Fort Worth metroplex toward Saint Anthony, TX before curving eastward into Central texas.
The storm’s core brings a deep moist layer aloft, setting the stage for a classic freezing rain event as the temperature profile in Saint Anthony hovers just above the freezing point at the surface while remaining well‑above 0 °C a few thousand feet up.
Freezing Rain Forecast for Saint Anthony
| Time (CST) | Expected Precipitation Type | Ice Accumulation | Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00:00‑02:00 | Light freezing rain | 0.05‑0.08 in | 31‑33 |
| 02:00‑04:00 | Moderate freezing rain | 0.10‑0.15 in | 30‑31 |
| 04:00‑06:00 | Heavy freezing rain | 0.20‑0.30 in | 29‑30 |
| 06:00‑08:00 | Transition to sleet | <0.05 in | 28‑29 |
Key point: The greatest ice buildup is expected between 02:00 and 06:00 CST, when surface temperatures dip below 32 °F and the warm air aloft remains above 34 °F.
Impacts on Travel and Safety
- Road conditions
- Icy layers on bridges and overpasses will form first and may become treacherously slick within minutes of the first precipitation.
- Main arteries (US‑79, TX‑154) are projected to receive red‑flag warnings for the entire early‑morning window.
- Vehicle safety
- Traction loss is common with as little as 0.10 in of glaze.
- Anti‑lock brakes (ABS) may become less effective on polished ice.
- Pedestrian hazards
- Sidewalks and crosswalks will become hazardous; municipal crews are expected to deploy de‑icing agents after 04:00 CST.
Preparedness Checklist (Instant Action)
- Before the storm:
- Fill gas tanks to at least half‑full.
- Charge all portable devices (phone, tablet, power bank).
- Stock non‑perishable food, bottled water (1 gal/person for 48 h).
- Keep a flashlight, extra batteries, and a first‑aid kit accessible.
- During the storm:
- Keep windows closed; use a small portable heater only if properly ventilated.
- Avoid non‑essential travel; if you must drive, carry sand, cat litter, or rock salt for traction.
- After the storm:
- Inspect roofs for ice dams before removing meltwater.
- Check for downed power lines; report any hazards to TX Power at 1‑800‑555‑1212.
Local Emergency Services Response
- Saint Anthony Emergency Management will activate the Incident Command System (ICS) at 01:00 CST.
- Public Safety Alerts:
- Wireless Emergency alerts (WEA) will broadcast “Freezing Rain Warning – Ice Accumulation up to 0.30 in.”
- Twitter: @StAnthonyEMS – live updates every 30 minutes.
- shelter locations:
- Saint Anthony Community Center (capacity 150) – heated, meals provided.
- Northside High School gymnasium – designated for evacuees from flooded basements.
Historical Context: Past freezing Rain Events
- December 2022: Saint Anthony experienced a 0.25‑in ice event that caused 12 road closures and 18 power outages lasting up to 16 hours.
- January 2018: A similar storm produced 0.33 in of glaze, resulting in a school district shutdown for two days.
These events underline the importance of pre‑storm planning and prompt post‑storm inspections to prevent water‑damage and electrical hazards.
What to Expect as the Storm Moves Into Central Texas
- Shift to sleet and light snow after 08:00 CST as colder air undercuts the warm layer.
- Wind gusts up to 35 mph will increase wind chill, making the perceived temperature feel 10‑15 °F lower.
- Rain‑to‑snow ratio: Expect a 2 in rain equivalent to roughly 0.2 in of water‑heavy snow, leading to potential slick sidewalks in Austin and San Antonio.
Power Outage Mitigation Tips
- Unplug sensitive electronics (TVs, computers) to avoid surge damage.
- Use surge protectors with built‑in circuit breakers.
- Create a “cold‑box”: Fill a cooler with ice packs and store perishable items to extend refrigerator life up to 24 hours.
Road Conditions and travel Advisories
- TX DOT “I‑35 Corridor” – Ice treatment crews start at 04:30 CST; expect intermittent lane closures until 10:00 CST.
- Local school districts:
- Saint anthony ISD will declare delayed start at 07:30 CST.
- Henderson County Schools → closed for the day.
- Public transit: Saint Anthony Transit will operate on a reduced schedule; route 3 and 7 temporarily suspended.
Community Resources
| Resource | Contact | Service Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Anthony Emergency Management | (903) 555‑0123 | Real‑time storm updates, shelter info |
| TX power Outage Hotline | 1‑800‑555‑1212 | Report outages, estimated restoration times |
| Red Cross – Disaster Relief | (903) 555‑0456 | Food, water, and emergency kits |
| Local Weather Radio (NOAA) | 162.550 MHz | Continuous alerts and warnings |
Fast reference: Freeze‑rain timing (02:00‑06:00 CST), peak ice (0.20‑0.30 in), road‑treatment start (04:30 CST), shelter activation (01:00 CST). Keep this cheat sheet handy and stay safe as Winter Storm Athena moves through Saint Anthony and beyond.
