NWS issues alert for high winds, low temps
Cover those plants and watch out for the pets. The National Weather Service has issued an alert for high winds and freezing temperatures.
An arctic cold front will move through South Central Texas late tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 7. Much colder conditions will occur Thursday through Friday, along with windy conditions Thursday. A freeze is expected across portions of the area Thursday night into Friday morning.
A hard freeze is possible across the Hill Country and portions of Central Texas with a light freeze along the I-35 corridor and east. The winds will make temperatures feel much colder Thursday and Thursday night.
In addition there is a slight chance a mix of rain and sleet Thursday behind the front across the far northern Hill Country and portions of Central Texas, north of a Fredericksburg to Georgetown line. Given ground temperatures, little to no impacts are expected through the Hill Country and southern areas of Central Texas. Light accumulations are possible farther north of the forecast region.
Threats & Impacts:
Winds: 15-25 mph. Gusts to 35 mph likely along and east of I-35.
Air Temperature: Highs Thursday in the upper 30s across the Hill Country and low to mid 40s elsewhere. Lows Friday morning in the mid 20s across the Hill Country and upper 20 to low 30s along and east of of I-35 from Austin to San Antonio. See attached map.
Freezing temperatures late Thursday night through Friday morning could last 9-12 hours across the Hill Country, 3-6 hours across Central Texas and Austin metro, and less than 3 hours where it freezes elsewhere. A hard freeze across the Hill Country could have a significant impact on sensitive plants and pets. Elderly persons or young children could suffer hyperthermia if exposed to long duration of extremely cold temperatures. Elsewhere a light freeze may impact young sensitive plants and pets.
Wind Chill: (feels like temp): During the day on Thursday mid to upper 20s across the Hill Country and 30s elsewhere. Thursday night and Friday morning in the upper teens across the Hill Country and 20s elsewhere.
Winter Weather: A light rain/sleet mix could develop Thursday across the far northern Hill Country and Central Texas, north of a Fredericksburg to Georgetown line. No impacts are expected as ground temperatures remain above freezing.
