San Antonio Winter Storm Warning: What To Do Before 6 PM Today
- Al Davis
- Jan 24
- 4 min read
San Antonio isn’t “snow city,” but when ice shows up, everything changes fast—roads, power, pipes, and plans.
As of Friday, January 23, 2026, San Antonio is under a Winter Storm Warning, with forecasts calling for 0.1 to 0.25 inches of ice between 6 p.m. Today (January 24) and noon Sunday. The warning area stretches beyond the city too, including places like Karnes City, Pleasanton, Seguin, and Floresville.
This post is a simple, local, no-panic checklist so you can protect your home and your people especially if you’re in neighborhoods that tend to lose power or have older plumbing.
This San Antonio winter storm warning is mainly about ice so a little prep now can prevent big problems later.
Quick timeline: When the freezing rain and ice hit San Antonio
Here’s the part most people need in plain English:
6 p.m. Saturday (Jan 24) → overnight: ice risk increases
Through noon Sunday: the warning window stays active
Forecasters are also noting a high chance of freezing rain Saturday night, then the odds shift toward a lighter wintry mix early Sunday.
And yes—ice is the bigger problem here. A tiny glaze can turn bridges and overpasses into a mess.
Why this storm is a big deal (even if it doesn’t “look” scary)
The National Weather Service warning language is blunt for a reason:
Roads (especially bridges/overpasses) may become slick and hazardous
Extreme cold can be life-threatening
Unprotected pipes can be damaged
Travel could be nearly impossible
San Antonio has seen winter weather before (we all remember it), but the “danger” here is how quickly conditions can flip once temps drop.
San Antonio Winter Storm Warning home checklist (do this before 6 PM Today)
You don’t need a thousand items. You need the right few.
1) Protect your pipes (this is the expensive one)
Wrap exposed outdoor pipes/spigots if you can
Bring hoses inside and cover spigots
If temps drop hard, open cabinet doors under sinks (especially exterior walls)
Know where your main water shutoff is before you need it
The NWS warning specifically calls out risk to unprotected pipes, so don’t ignore this part.
2) Charge, fuel, and prep for a short power outage Not predicting outages just being realistic when ice shows up.
Charge phones + power banks
Set up flashlights (not candles)
If you rely on electric medical devices, make a backup plan tonight
Keep your car fuel above half a tank (warm-up + charging)
3) If you must travel, pack your car like you mean it
Officials strongly encourage staying home, but if you truly have to drive, the warning advises carrying a go-bag with basics like flashlight, food, and water.
Also: drive like you’re carrying a pot of soup slow, smooth, no sudden moves.
4) Pets and people: bring everyone in The warning mentions risk to livestock, but the takeaway is simple: if it’s cold enough to threaten animals outside, it’s cold enough to mess someone up quickly. Bring pets inside, check outdoor water bowls, and make sure space heaters (if used) are placed safely.
Real estate angle: What ice and freezes do to homes in San Antonio
If you’re a homeowner, buyer, or seller, this is the “wish someone told me” section.
Older homes + older plumbing need extra attention
San Antonio has plenty of older housing stock, and freezes can expose weak points: older pipe runs, poor insulation, and spots that never got upgraded.
Selling soon? Don’t let a preventable freeze issue kill your momentum
Even minor water damage can delay photos, showings, and buyer confidence. A $20–$40 prevention run can save a whole lot of headache.
Buying soon? Use this storm as a smart “test” After this passes, pay attention when touring homes:
Any fresh patchwork on ceilings/walls?
Any musty smell in a closet near plumbing?
Any signs of past pipe repairs?
Not red flags automatically—just prompts to ask better questions.
My simple plan for this weekend
If you want the cleanest, safest approach:
Finish prep before 6 p.m. Saturday
Stay off the roads Saturday night if you can (ice risk is highest)
Re-check pipes Sunday morning and keep heat steady
After the storm, do a quick walk-around: exterior spigots, garage, under sinks
San Antonio weather can be dramatic in a hurry. Being early beats being stressed.
Want my “San Antonio Freeze Prep” checklist?
If you want it in a simple one-page format you can screenshot, DM me the word: FREEZE I’ll send it over—and if you tell me what part of town you’re in, I’ll add the couple of extra tips that matter for older neighborhoods vs. newer builds.
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