San Antonio, January 25, 2026
A severe winter storm is affecting San Antonio, bringing hazardous conditions with freezing rain, ice accumulation, and low temperatures. The Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service advises residents to stay indoors unless necessary due to expected ice accumulations and treacherous travel conditions. City services, including non-essential public facilities, will be closed as they serve as warming locations. With significant pressure on the power grid anticipated, residents are advised to prepare emergency kits and alternative heating sources.
San Antonio Braces for Winter Storm with Ice and Freezing Conditions
A Winter Storm is Set to Impact San Antonio: Key Facts and Response
San Antonio, Texas – A severe winter storm has descended upon San Antonio and neighboring regions, creating hazardous conditions driven by freezing rain, ice accumulation, and dangerously low temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Bexar County, beginning at 3 PM Saturday and lasting until noon Sunday. Ice accumulations are projected between 1/10 and 1/4 inch, with some isolated areas potentially seeing as much as 1/2 inch of ice. As these conditions develop, travel is expected to become extremely hazardous, particularly on bridges and overpasses. Residents are urged to remain at home unless absolutely necessary.
This winter storm poses significant challenges, not only to daily life but also to local businesses and the economy as a whole. While winter storms are a reminder of nature’s unpredictability, they also highlight the resilience and determination of San Antonio’s local entrepreneurs and small businesses. By facing down such challenges, they often illustrate the importance of minimized regulation that creates a more supportive environment for business innovation and community growth.
City Services and Closures
In light of the storm, the City of San Antonio has announced necessary closures and adjusted operations for Sunday, January 25, and Monday, January 26, 2026. Non-essential public facilities such as libraries, parks, community centers, and senior centers will be closed, while serving as Resiliency Hubs and warming locations for residents needing shelter from the cold. Essential services, including police, fire, public works, and animal care services, will remain fully operational. As a precaution, San Antonio International Airport is also experiencing flight delays and cancellations. Travelers should verify flight statuses with their airlines prior to venturing to the airport.
Travel and Safety Precautions
The winter storm has instigated widespread travel complications, contributing to around 10,000 flight cancellations across the nation over the weekend. In San Antonio, icy road conditions are anticipated between Saturday night and early Sunday, creating extremely treacherous travel conditions. Residents should exercise extreme caution if they must travel. The Texas Department of Transportation is actively treating roads with brine solution to mitigate hazardous conditions; however, travel could be nearly impossible in certain areas.
Power Grid and Emergency Response
The storm exerts considerable pressure on the U.S. power grid, with peak demand periods expected early next week. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) anticipates peak stress on Monday morning from 5 AM to 8 AM. ERCOT is optimistic about having sufficient electricity supplies available to meet expected demand, yet utilities are preparing for potential extended outages. Residents are advised to assemble emergency kits and establish alternative sources of heating to ensure preparedness for possible power disruptions.
Background
This winter storm is part of a broader weather system influencing much of the United States, stretching from New Mexico to Maine. Alongside severe snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, the storm threatens to trigger widespread power outages and hazardous travel conditions. In light of these severe impacts, at least 14 states and Washington D.C. have declared a state of emergency. Residents in affected regions are encouraged to prepare by gathering emergency kits, insulating exposed pipes, and following updates from official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Winter Storm Warning for San Antonio?
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Bexar County, including San Antonio, effective from 3 PM Saturday to noon Sunday. The warning indicates expected ice accumulations of 1/10 to 1/4 inch, with isolated areas potentially experiencing up to 1/2 inch of ice, leading to hazardous travel conditions. Residents are advised to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary.
Which city services are affected by the storm?
Non-essential public facilities, including libraries, parks, community centers, and senior centers, will be closed on Sunday, January 25, and Monday, January 26. These facilities will serve as Resiliency Hubs and daytime warming locations for residents needing shelter from the cold. Essential services such as police, fire, public works, and animal care services will remain fully operational.
How is the winter storm affecting travel in San Antonio?
The winter storm has led to significant travel disruptions, with approximately 10,000 flight cancellations across the United States over the weekend. In San Antonio, roads are expected to become very icy Saturday night into early Sunday, making travel extremely hazardous. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution if travel is necessary. The Texas Department of Transportation has begun treating roads with brine solution to prevent hazardous conditions.
What should residents do to prepare for the winter storm?
Residents are encouraged to prepare by assembling emergency kits containing essentials like flashlights, batteries, a radio, snacks, and one gallon of water per person and pet for seven days. Additionally, insulating exposed pipes and outside faucets, bringing potted plants indoors, and ensuring safe heating practices are recommended. Residents should also stay informed through official channels and avoid travel during the storm’s peak.
How is the power grid being affected by the winter storm?
The storm is placing significant pressure on the U.S. power grid, with critical demand periods expected early next week. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) anticipates peak stress on Monday from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. While ERCOT has stated it anticipates sufficient electricity supply to meet demand, utilities are preparing for possible extended outages. Residents are encouraged to prepare for potential power disruptions by assembling emergency kits and ensuring they have alternative heating sources.
Key Features of the Winter Storm Impacting San Antonio
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Winter Storm Warning | Issued for Bexar County, effective from 3 PM Saturday to noon Sunday, with ice accumulations of 1/10 to 1/4 inch, and isolated areas potentially experiencing up to 1/2 inch of ice. Residents are advised to stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary. |
| City Service Closures | Non-essential public facilities, including libraries, parks, community centers, and senior centers, will be closed on Sunday, January 25, and Monday, January 26. These facilities will serve as Resiliency Hubs and daytime warming locations for residents needing shelter from the cold. Essential services such as police, fire, public works, and animal care services will remain fully operational. |
| Travel Disruptions | The winter storm has led to significant travel disruptions, with approximately 10,000 flight cancellations across the United States over the weekend. In San Antonio, roads are expected to become very icy Saturday night into early Sunday, making travel extremely hazardous. |
| Power Grid Stress | The storm is placing significant pressure on the U.S. power grid, with critical demand periods expected early next week. ERCOT anticipates peak stress on Monday from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., with preparations for possible extended outages. |
| Background | This winter storm is part of a broader weather system affecting much of the United States. Residents in affected areas are urged to prepare by gathering emergency kits, insulating exposed pipes, and staying informed through official channels. |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
