As San Antonio braces for a blast of wintry weather, residents are being urged to check the health of their trees ahead of another cold snap expected to hit the region. Tree experts, like Chris McCombs of All Arbor Tree Care, advise locals to scout for cracks in tree trunks and branches as well as peeling bark and dead wood—a step that can help prevent property damage from falling limbs, KSAT reported. McCombs emphasized the importance of being proactive, noting "Trees are pretty resilient, but anytime ice or snow comes, it’s not something we’re used to here."
The looming cold snap is expected to usher in the coldest air of the season starting Sunday morning with highs hovering in the 30s and lows plummeting into the teens and 20s, according to the National Weather Service's Emily Heller the area will not see much relief during the day as temperatures are only expected to rise by about two to three degrees on Sunday, residents on the north and east sides of San Antonio are also warned to be cautious of potential light freezing drizzle that might lead to slippery roads San Antonio Report informs. With safety top of mind, McCombs recommends watering trees at the roots in the coming days to help insulate them against the cold by aiding in ground heat radiation.
Furthermore, potential power outages remain a concern when trees, burdened by ice or neglect, bring down lines which is why Fair Oaks Ranch and CPS Energy are cutting back trees near utility lines, this effort is described by Joanna Merrill, director of HR and Communications for Fair Oaks Ranch, as an early initiative to minimize the impact of the freeze on power supply as stated during a conversation with KSAT.
In the midst of these freezing conditions, San Antonio has established resiliency hubs to provide refuge from the severe cold the city plans to open six overnight resilience centers on Sunday night to shelter those in need, residents are expected to bring their own clothing, supplies, and medication as they seek warmth, which is especially critical when wind chills on Tuesday morning may drop to single-digits as per San Antonio Report's coverage.
