As the impacts from Winter Storm Fern extend into a fourth day, City of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County officials are asking all to limit non-essential travel across Gillespie County this morning as icy conditions persist on several major and county roads.

Drivers who must be out are asked to reduce speed significantly and use extreme caution, as slick patches remain widespread in shaded and rural areas. Crews are hopeful that sunshine and warmer temperatures today will help melt ice and fully clear roadways.

First responders worked through a long night responding to multiple water leaks—particularly at apartment complexes—as frozen pipes began to thaw, and officials warn that additional leaks are likely as temperatures rise throughout the day.

Utilities and road crews remain fully active, and residents are urged to report emergencies to 911 and use 830‑997‑8080 for non‑emergency assistance.

Road Conditions Update for Gillespie CountyWithin Fredericksburg City limits, most streets are clear, but shaded areas continue to hold patches of ice.

Across the county, several major corridors have improved while others remain hazardous. US 290 East and West are reported to be in good condition, but Highway 16 North and Highway 783 is still fully iced over, and many FM roads remain significantly impacted.

The Sheriff’s Office urges that travel should remain slow and deliberate until conditions thaw later today. TxDOT crews continue applying melting materials—including along FM 2323—with additional supplies arriving this morning. 

Fredericksburg Sanitation CollectionThe City’s Sanitation Department attempted to collect trash for Monday customers on a delayed schedule; however, road conditions were deemed unsafe. Collection for both Monday and Tuesday customers will begin on Tuesday as soon as conditions improve and it is safe to proceed.

Power outages during the event have been rare and quickly resolved, including a Monday‑morning outage that briefly affected more than 300 CTEC customers in western Gillespie County. CTEC reports that significant ice remains on parts of its system and may cause additional outages as lines shift, and crews continue to monitor conditions while encouraging members to conserve energy during peak‑use hours. The largest outage occurred Saturday afternoon on Fredericksburg’s north side, impacting an estimated 1,500 City Electric and more than 1,500 CTEC customers, with full City Electric service restored by 6:40 p.m.

H-E-B ReopensAs of 4 p.m. Monday, the Fredericksburg H‑E‑B has reopened and will be open until 11 p.m.  Previously, Fredericksburg’s H‑E‑B closed on Sunday and its Public Affairs Department provided the following statement: “Out of an abundance of caution, our Fredericksburg store is temporarily closed. We appreciate our community and look forward to opening soon. We will update our customers with further information.”

The Extreme Cold Warning from the National Weather Service expired at 9 a.m. Tuesday, but a hard freeze is still forecast for Tuesday night.

Residents are strongly urged to stay safe, avoid all non‑essential travel, and continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio as conditions evolve.

The emergency shelter at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, at 1800 Llano Street was closed at 12:30 p.m. on Monday.

Gillespie County Emergency Management thanks the Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, the City’s Parks & Recreation Department and the American Red Cross for their partnership.

The shelter opened on Saturday at 8 a.m. and offered meals, cots and a safe place to anyone displaced by the winter storm. During the event, seven individuals received sheltering or recovery assistance. Four were supported in the shelter, and three received virtual services from the American Red Cross following a structure fire Sunday.

Disaster Proclamation
Gillespie County has been added to the Governor’s statewide disaster proclamation following severe winter weather across Texas. The amended Sunday, Jan. 25,  proclamation expands the declaration to include Gillespie County, allowing additional state resources and emergency assistance to support local response and recovery. This action acknowledges the impacts of prolonged freezing temperatures, heavy snow and freezing rain and ensures residents receive necessary aid.

Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones lifted the countywide burn ban on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 12:30 p.m. after consulting with the County Fire Marshal and county fire chiefs. Although drought conditions have improved, rainfall has been uneven and residents should evaluate local conditions before burning. Officials urge everyone to use extreme caution with any outdoor burns.

Led by Gillespie County Emergency Management Coordinator Ashley Morris, the county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) opened at 3 a.m. on Saturday to provide a central location for all winter storm monitoring and coordination. As of 5 p.m., the EOC will be virtually staffed throughout the storm and will share updates as conditions change. Residents should call 9‑1‑1 for emergencies and (830) 997‑8080 for non‑emergency assistance.

Residents should continue to charge essential devices and use only safe indoor heating sources. 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.

With the cold weather in place, Gillespie County residents and property owners are urged to sign up for the CivicPlus Mass Notification System, which delivers critical updates such as weather warnings, evacuation notices, and boil water advisories. Enrollment ensures timely alerts to your preferred device—text, email, pager, or voicemail—helping keep you and your family safe during fast‑moving emergencies. To receive text‑only alerts, text FBGTX to 38276, or download the myAlerts mobile app. Residents can also manage their preferences or learn more at fbgtx.org/1203/Alerts-Notifications.

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.