Update on Texas

Texas: Another winter storm beginning now; deteriorating conditions tonight

https://www.kxan.com/weather/forecast/todays-forecast/

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Subfreezing temperatures have been in place in Austin for more than 100 hours, and our fourth winter storm in less than a week is beginning tonight. Freezing drizzle and some snow were increasing rapidly late Tuesday across the Hill Country, moving into the Austin metro area.

Since this new winter storm is going to produce more ice than snow, icing of most area roads is likely, along with downed tree limbs, resulting in more power outages. While some roads became somewhat drivable Tuesday, they may become ice covered and dangerous tonight.

As of Tuesday evening, more than 300,000 customers of Central Texas power utilities are without power and heat. Brutal cold and lack of electricity are presenting a dangerous situation for those more vulnerable to hypothermia, such as the elderly. In addition to caring for family and neighbors, continue precautions to protect your home and your plumbing through at least Wednesday morning.

Coldest morning since December 1989

• Updated list of school delays and closures

Yet another winter storm is bringing another round of freezing rain and ice to Central Texas tonight, capable of crippling area roadways on its own. Adding this on top of existing snowpack and ice will make many roadways impassable early Wednesday.

Freezing rain is already underway and will continue overnight through early Wednesday morning. 0.10″-0.20″ of sheer ice is possible in many areas, including Austin. Only a few hundredths of an inch of freezing rain has paralyzed Austin in the past.

Though temperatures may warm above freezing briefly Wednesday afternoon, there is still uncertainty in how much we warm. Roadways will refreeze every night through the end of the week.

An additional round of sleet and snow is possible on Thursday. Snow accumulations of 1-3″ are possible in some areas. There is a higher uncertainty on this final round of precipitation, so stay tuned for forecast updates.

Snow totals from the Valentine’s Day / Presidents’ Day snowstorm

Camp Mabry officially recorded 6.4″ of snow Sunday night into Monday morning; our fourth largest snow event on record and the most we’ve seen since the 1949.

1.           11.0″       1937-11-23

2.           7.0″         1944-02-14

3.           6.5″         1949-01-31

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4.           6.4″         2021-02-15

5.           6.0″         1966-02-23

–             6.0″         1937-11-22

7.           5.5″         1929-12-22

With so many without power for more than two full days, check on your neighbors — especially elderly who are more vulnerable. See the following from the Centers for Disease Control on hypothermia:

MOST READ: LIVE BLOG: Next winter storm arrives, creating more ice along Central Texas roads 

What is hypothermia?

• Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures. When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it’s produced. Lengthy exposures will eventually use up your body’s stored energy, which leads to lower body temperature.
• Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia especially dangerous, because a person may not know that it’s happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.

Who’s most at risk?

Victims of hypothermia are often:

• Older adults with inadequate food, clothing, or heating
• Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms
• People who remain outdoors for long periods—the homeless, hikers, hunters, etc.
• People who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.

What are the signs and symptoms of hypothermia?

The following are warnings signs of hypothermia:

Adults:

• Shivering
• Exhaustion or feeling very tired
• Confusion
• Fumbling hands
• Memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness

Babies:

• bright red, cold skin
• very low energy

Don’t wait – take action

Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If you notice any of the above signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95° F, get medical attention immediately!

If you are not able to get medical help right away, try to warm the person up.

• Get the person into a warm room or shelter.
• Remove any wet clothing the person is wearing.
• Warm the center of the person’s body—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. You can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
• Warm drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
• After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap their body, including their head and neck, in a warm blanket.
• Get the person proper medical attention as soon as possible.

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A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. In this case, handle the person gently, and get emergency assistance immediately.

• Perform CPR, even if the person appears dead. CPR should continue until the person responds or medical aid becomes available. Keep warming the person while performing CPR. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear to be dead can be successfully resuscitated.

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