Fredericksburg, Texas – City of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County officials continue to caution that road conditions are dangerous Monday as existing ice and overnight refreezing have significantly worsened roadway safety.
However, Monday’s forecasted sunshine is expected to help lessen impacts. Road conditions are expected to improve throughout the day as sunlight increases surface temperatures.
Officials also extend their gratitude to residents who have stayed home and used caution throughout the storm. Community cooperation has reduced incidents and supported ongoing response operations.
Residents are reminded to call 911 in the event of an emergency, and to use 830‑997‑8080 for non‑emergency assistance.
Road Conditions
Reports from throughout the county indicated only limited melting has occurred Monday morning, and roads across Gillespie County remain very hazardous.
All residents are urged to stay home through the afternoon and avoid driving while City, County, and TxDOT crews continue working to improve conditions.
In the City, the Street Department reported that braking and accelerating at intersections can be very dangerous. Sidewalks are also very hazardous, so caution is strongly encouraged
The City’s Sanitation Department will collect trash for Monday customers on a delayed schedule. The City’s Sanitary Landfill and Recycling Center are closed Monday but slated to reopen Tuesday.
TxDOT crews are focusing first on clearing and treating US 290 East, as that corridor is currently the highest priority. Once progress is made there, teams will move on to address State Highway 16 South, followed by US 87 South and then US 87 North. The return of sunshine will make a major impact on melting remaining ice and improving overall roadway safety, allowing crews to work more efficiently as the day progresses.
Electrical Outages
CTEC reports that portions of their system still have significant ice accumulation that may lead to additional service interruptions as warming temperatures cause conductors to shift. Although conditions are improving, CTEC sharted that the area is not fully in the clear, and crews will continue closely monitoring the system.
On Monday morning, CTEC experienced an outage of over 300 customers in western Gillespie County between Fredericksburg and Harper, but power was restored quickly.
Late Sunday, CTEC asked customers to help conserve energy during peak demand hours from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday, as doing so is critical to maintaining system reliability and reducing the risk of outages during the ongoing high‑usage period. Simple steps—such as delaying major appliance use, adjusting thermostats, turning off unnecessary lights and electronics, and limiting space‑heater use—can significantly ease strain on the grid and support faster restoration should an outage occur.
The largest electric outage of the event came just after 4 p.m. on Saturday, areas on the north side of Fredericksburg experienced a power outage Saturday afternoon affecting both City of Fredericksburg Electric (estimated 1,500) and CTEC (over 1,500) customers. Full power was restored to all City Electric customers by 6:40 p.m.
H-E-B Closure
Fredericksburg’s H-E-B closed on Sunday, Jan. 25 and its Public Affairs Department provided this 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.”
Known Closures
- City of Fredericksburg buildings, facilities and offices are closed on Monday.
- Gillespie County facilities are closed on Monday.
- Fredericksburg ISD is closed on Monday, Jan. 26.
- Harper ISD is closed on Monday, Jan. 26
- Doss ISD is closed on Monday, Jan. 26
- Gillespie County Airport is closed until Monday, Jan. 26 at noon.
- Many businesses in the area have altered hours of operation, so please call ahead to check availability if you must leave your home to reach a business.
- Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park closed on Friday at 10 p.m. and will tentatively reopen at noon on Tuesday.
- Restrooms at Old Fair Park’s basketball pavilion and Cross Mountain Park will be secured until temperatures rise above freezing.
- Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course closed through Monday.
- The Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce office is closed on Monday.
- The Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau has announced the Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center will not be open on Monday.
- The bulk water pumps at the City of Fredericksburg’s Warehouse turned off Friday at 3:45 p.m. and will remain offline until temperatures allow.
Latest Forecast
The Extreme Cold Warning will expire Monday at noon.
Hard freezes are still forecast for Monday night, with the Hill Country expected to remain below freezing through midday Tuesday.
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.
Shelter Operations
The City of Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, and the American Red Cross, in partnership with Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, opened a 24‑hour emergency shelter at 1800 Llano Street on Saturday at 8 a.m. The shelter offers meals, cots, and a safe place for anyone displaced by the winter storm. The shelter remains fully staffed and ready to receive anyone who needs refuge. County VFD stations will open in the event of widespread power outages as warming centers for local communities.
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.
Burn Ban Lifted
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.
Emergency Operations Center
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. The EOC will remain 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.
Resident Preparation Tips
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.
Emergency Alert System
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.
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