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9:30 p.m. update: An Arctic cold front is bearing down on south Central Texas and is expected to move through the area within the hour bringing with it rain that will likely become sleet after midnight, the National Weather Service said.
Temperatures are expected to dip below freezing early Tuesday with a potential for snow as far south as San Marcos, forecasters said. Most Austin area schools have announced they will cancel classes Tuesday and many city and county offices will shutter their doors as meteorologists warned ice accumulations could cause dangerous driving conditions.
A winter storm warning is in effect from midnight until 6 p.m. Tuesday, when the wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet is expected to end, according to forecasters. Tuesday promises frigid temperatures in the mid-20s with blustery north winds measuring between 25 and 35 mph that will make it feel even colder, the weather service said.
A hard freeze is expected overnight Wednesday when the front moves out of the area, however most of Central Texas will still struggle to see temperatures reach above 40, forecasters said. There is a slight chance at more precipitation Thursday, the weather service said. By the weekend, forecasters said Central Texas could see temperatures hit 70.
4 p.m. update: Forecasters are predicting an Arctic cold front will reach the Austin area between 8 and 11 p.m. Monday night, bringing behind it light freezing rain and sleet and potentially snow on Tuesday, creating dangerous driving conditions on Central Texas roadways.
The National Weather Service said its latest models are still showing a high probability for winter precipitation overnight Monday into Tuesday, with ice accumulations up to a quarter of an inch in isolated areas. A winter storm warning is in effect for the Austin metro area and most of south Central Texas from midnight to 6 p.m. Tuesday.
The Austin-Travis County emergency operation center has announced it will activate at 10 p.m. Monday so public safety officials can monitor roadway conditions. All non-essential travel is highly discouraged overnight into Tuesday, the weather service said. Roads will be slick and dangerous for drivers, forecasters said.
The city has also asked anyone flying into and out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to check their flight status since some carriers have already begun cancelling arrivals to the airport after 8 p.m. Monday. Some departures could be cancelled Tuesday and flights delayed, the city said.
Temperatures Tuesday are expected to plummet to mid-20s with winds gusting between 25 and 35 mph that will make it feel even colder, forecasters said. Prolonged exposure to the sub-freezing temperatures could result in hypothermia, the weather service warned. People are encouraged to keep pets inside and cover any exposed pipes outside ahead of a hard freeze overnight.
Snow on Tuesday could accumulate up to a half inch, forecasters said, however latest models show that winter precipitation will likely end by afternoon and may not continue overnight Wednesday.
Earlier: Driving conditions could become dangerous Tuesday morning as freezing rain and sleet is expected to hit Austin as residents get the work week started after Monday's holiday.
A winter storm warning goes into effect for the Austin metro area at midnight and will continue through 6 p.m. Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Significant icing is possible, with accumulations of around one tenth of an inch. Temperatures will dip to the upper 20s by Tuesday afternoon and could drop to the teens overnight.
The weather service upgraded its previously issued winter storm watch to a winter storm warning Monday morning.
University of Texas said it is monitoring the weather conditions and will communicate any closings to students and faculty through text alerts.
This is a developing story; check back for details.
