South central Texas can expect freezing cold from Saturday evening through Monday morning, with a winter storm watch from Saturday to Sunday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Campus events and activities will continue as planned through Saturday, but certain buildings will have shorter hours and students should exercise caution to stay safe and warm, said Dr. Lorenzo Sanchez, director of the Office of Emergency Management.

The NWS issued an extreme cold watch and a winter storm warning for San Antonio, predicting wind chills up to -2 degrees. The NWS also predicted potential freezing rain in San Antonio, which may lead to winter weather conditions on roads on Sunday and Monday.

As a precaution, Facilities Operations will spread de-icer on sidewalks, ramps and outdoor stairs, according to an email announcement from Dr. Lorenzo Sanchez. They advised students to:

• stay indoors,
• keep heat inside by shutting doors and windows, and
• keep an eye on the weather forecast.

Car owners should check tire pressure and antifreeze levels before temperatures drop, the NWS recommended. They also urged residents to:

• dress in layers,
• bring pets inside,
• leave faucets dripping and
• shut off water valves to prevent pipe bursts.

Events and activities will continue as planned through Saturday, Sanchez wrote. However, Elizabeth Huth Coates Library will delay opening until noon on Sunday, the William H. Bell Center will close at 10 p.m. Saturday. In addition, Mabee Dining Hall will close at 8 p.m. Saturday and delay opening on Sunday until 10:30 a.m. Besides Mabee, all dining options will be closed on Sunday.

Essential staff will remain available to students on campus during the freeze, including TUPD, Facilities Operations, Residential Life and Chartwells Dining. Students can anticipate more information from Residential Life on Sunday at 3 p.m.