Local roadways are quickly being covered with ice, as TxDOT and SAPD crews scramble to keep the roads open, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Despite super slow levels of traffic due to massive closures, TxDOT reported ice causing accidents at several places, from the Loop 410, I-10 interchange, I-10 near Leon Springs and Fair Oaks Ranch, and I-35 and Loop 1604 in Live Oak.
Ice was reported in all parts of the city, but mainly on the northwest side, where ice was reported on I-10 from Loop 1604 all the way to the Kendall County line, and beyond Boerne to Fair Oaks Ranch.
Closures were also reported due to ice at Loop 410 and Highway 281,and 151 over Loop 410.The San Antonio Police Department is encouraging people not to drive if possible, and pointing out that overpasses are particularly hectic. Several surface streets in the city are also closed due to icing.
The general feeling is that motorists sticking to surface streets will be fine, but using freeways with their bridges and flyovers is problematic.
CPS Energy reported that a combination of ice on power lines and the gusty winds that blew in the weather system knocked out power to hundreds of people today.
“So far the windy conditions have been our biggest challenge and we’re continuing to monitor our power lines for any ice buildup,” said Rick Maldonado, Senior Director of Customer Reliability. “As the precipitation continues to collect on the roads, it can hinder our restoration efforts. We ask our customers to bear with us as we carefully and safely make our way to restore power to those affected.”
The U.S. Post Office says it will also work to keep to its delivery schedules today.
"The Postal Service makes every reasonable effort to deliver mail in many difficult weather conditions. We are currently monitoring road conditions in the affected areas. Decisions regarding mail delivery service will be made on a location-by-location basis, depending on the severity of conditions. Safety is the primary concern for the Postal Service. Keeping employees and customers safe is our most important goal," The USPS said in a statement.
The National Weather Service says the problem is that the temperature won't rise above freezing until Wednesday, meaning the water on the roads will freeze again tonight, leaving more ice for Wednesday's commiute.
By Wednesday afternoon, temperatures should climb into the forties, and will stay there for a while. By this weekend, we'll be back into the seventies.