Val Verde County, Del Rio Under Winter Storm Warning for Ice

A winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service's Austin/San Antonio office covers Val Verde County and the city of Del Rio as freezing rain and hard freezes move into the region. The warning runs from 6 a.m. Saturday, January 24, through noon Sunday, January 25, and calls for icy conditions that could make travel difficult across the warning area.

Forecasters said ice accumulation is likely to total between one-tenth and one-quarter inch across most of the warned area, with isolated pockets in parts of the Texas Hill Country reaching one-quarter to one-half inch. Even modest ice accumulations of one-tenth to one-quarter inch can produce slick roads and hazardous walking surfaces, and higher amounts increase the risk to tree limbs and overhead utility lines.

The advisory advises residents to avoid travel if possible and to prepare emergency supplies and vehicle kits. For Val Verde County and Del Rio, that guidance has immediate community implications: school districts, county road crews, and local suppliers may face disruptions to operations, and commuters should plan for slower or suspended travel. Emergency responders often see spikes in calls during freezing events, and limited staffing or blocked roads can delay nonemergency services.

Local businesses that rely on timely deliveries or on-site customers should review staffing and inventory plans for the weekend. For small counties like Val Verde, even short interruptions to freight and retail flows can ripple through local supply chains; perishable goods and time-sensitive shipments are particularly vulnerable. Residents who depend on electric or heating services should prepare for the possibility of brief outages by having charged devices, warm clothing, and alternative heating options ready.

The warning was issued in a Jan. 22 update from the NWS Austin/San Antonio office and expands a broader winter weather message for portions of the Hill Country and Austin metro area. Authorities emphasize staying tuned to official updates as precipitation type and intensity can change quickly with temperature shifts overnight into Sunday midday.

For now, the most actionable steps for Del Rio and Val Verde County residents are straightforward: postpone nonessential travel, top off vehicle fuel and emergency supplies, and ensure mobile phones and medical devices are charged. Road conditions can deteriorate rapidly when freezing rain begins, so check local road reports and county alerts before heading out. The storm will be short in duration but could leave lingering hazards into Sunday afternoon, so residents should plan for cautious travel and potential service interruptions through the weekend.