The City of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County officials and staff have been working throughout the week to prepare for this weekend’s anticipated winter storm. They, along with Central Texas Electric Cooperative, urge residents to do the same.
Forecast
The National Weather Service has issued both Winter Storm and Extreme Cold Weather Watches through Monday, Jan. 26 and the latest forecast indicates that the coldest conditions will arrive early Saturday morning. The NWS warns that this pattern could bring wintry mix and freezing rain, particularly as temperatures drop into the teens and 20s.
While exact precipitation amounts remain uncertain, the agency cautions that wind chills may fall below zero in some areas, and hazardous travel conditions are possible throughout the weekend. Stay tuned to the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio office for official weather forecast information.
Get Prepared
Residents are encouraged to prepare now by charging essential devices, gathering warm clothing, blankets, medications, water and shelf‑stable food, and use only safe indoor heating sources, Central Texas Electric Cooperative stated.
Practice generator safety by avoiding the use of gas-powered generators indoors. Protect pipes, know your home’s water shutoff, and bring pets indoors. Keep your vehicle fueled and equipped with an emergency kit, avoid parking under trees or power lines, and use caution on bridges if travel becomes necessary.
Residents are also encouraged to check on neighbors who may need help staying warm, a CTEC official said.
Road work, closures
Led by Gillespie County Emergency Management Coordinator Ashley Morris, entities from across the region have been meeting virtually since Wednesday to discuss preparation and coordination.
The city’s Public Works Department and county’s road crews stand ready to respond to areas of icing and debris.
TxDOT has already begun to pretreat areas of concern and elevated surfaces throughout the county.
Warming center and shelter operations are being planned and will be finalized by Friday afternoon in the event of emergency sheltering needs.
The city’s Sanitary Landfill and Recycling Center will not be open on Saturday due to anticipated conditions.
The City of Fredericksburg Parks and Recreation will close Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park on Friday at 10 p.m. and will tentatively reopen it at noon on Monday to protect staff and residents. Additionally, staff will winterize and close several park restrooms on Friday ahead of the expected freeze.
Restrooms at Old Fair Park’s basketball pavilion and Cross Mountain Park will be secured until temperatures rise above freezing. Restrooms at the RV Park and Marktplatz will remain open. Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course has also announced that they will be closed Saturday-Monday.
Fire/EMS and law enforcement officials are on alert throughout the county and have reported additional staff and preparations in advance of the weekend.
Get Notifications
With the anticipated weather, all Gillespie County residents and property owners are urged to sign up for the CivicPlus Mass Notification System, the emergency alert tool used to quickly deliver critical updates such as severe weather warnings, evacuation notices, boil water advisories, and other urgent information.
Signing up ensures you receive timely alerts directly to your preferred device—whether by text, email, pager, or voicemail—and can help keep you and your family safe during fast‑moving emergencies.
To receive text‑only alerts, simply text FBGTX to 38276, or download the myAlerts mobile app for added convenience. Residents can also manage their alert preferences or learn more at fbgtx.org/1203/Alerts-Notifications.
CTEC
Central Texas Electric Cooperative encourages residents to plan for possible extended power interruptions. For outage updates and safety tips, visit ctec.coop.
For more information about the City of Fredericksburg, go to FBGTX.org or contact City Hall at (830) 997-7521.
For more information about the County of Gillespie, go to GillespieCounty.gov or contact the Courthouse at (830) 997-7502.
