Winter Storm Fern Update – Tuesday, Jan. 27 Afternoon
Fredericksburg, Texas – After days of ice and cautious travel, Gillespie County began to thaw Tuesday, offering the first glimpse of normalcy—though City of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County officials warn that another round of overnight refreezing will keep hazards in play.
Sunshine and warmer temperatures cleared much of the remaining ice, but slick spots persist in shaded and rural areas.
The Emergency Operations Center will close at 6 p.m. Tuesday as conditions improve. Led by Emergency Management Coordinator Ashley Morris, the EOC has operated since 3 a.m. Saturday, coordinating storm response and public information. Residents should call 911 for emergencies and 830‑997‑8080 for nonemergency needs.
“We’re grateful for the teamwork across all agencies and the patience of our residents throughout this winter weather event,” Morris said. “While conditions have improved significantly, drivers should stay alert for refreezing tonight. We’ll continue monitoring the situation, but at this point the community is transitioning back to normal operations.”
Public SafetyFredericksburg Fire/EMS responded to 13 calls during the day, including nine EMS calls, three fire responses—one involving burning hay bales—and one major crash not related to ice. The department and Fredericksburg Police have both returned to normal staffing and operations.
The Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office reports county roads are “looking pretty good,” though FM 2323 still holds ice, and deputies are checking bus routes.
City UtilitiesCity water crews handled isolated leaks as lines thawed, including a 2-inch main break on the east side of town that was repaired within an hour. Crews are monitoring high‑consumption alerts and contacting customers directly.
City SanitationThe City collected both Monday and Tuesday routes today. Normal schedules resume Wednesday.
Electrical OutagesPower outages during the storm have been limited and quickly resolved. CTEC reported Monday that while service remains largely stable, thawing lines may shift, creating the potential for new outages. Crews continue to monitor conditions and are asking members to conserve energy during peak‑use hours. The largest outage event occurred Saturday afternoon on Fredericksburg’s north side, impacting an estimated 1,500 City Electric customers and more than 1,500 CTEC members. City Electric fully restored service by 6:40 p.m.
Known ClosuresCity of Fredericksburg, Gillespie County and school districts throughout the county will return to normal operations on Wednesday.
Latest ForecastA hard freeze is still forecast for Tuesday night. Residents are strongly urged to stay safe and continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio as conditions evolve.
Shelter ClosedThe emergency shelter at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, 1800 Llano Street, closed at 12:30 p.m. Monday. Gillespie County Emergency Management thanks the church, the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, and the American Red Cross for their support. The shelter opened Saturday at 8 a.m., providing meals, cots, and a safe place for anyone displaced by the winter storm. Seven people received assistance—four in the shelter and three through virtual Red Cross services following a Sunday structure fire.
H-E-B ReopensAs of 4 p.m. Monday, the Fredericksburg H‑E‑B has reopened and will be open until 11 p.m. Previously, Fredericksburg’s H‑E‑B closed on Sunday and its Public Affairs Department provided the following 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.”
Disaster ProclamationGillespie 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 LiftedGillespie 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.
Resident Preparation TipsResidents 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 SystemGillespie 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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