Polar vortex could bring snow to Central Texas this week

Threat level: As of Monday afternoon, National Weather Service forecasters predicted a 27% chance of at least one-tenth of an inch of freezing rain in Austin and a 30% chance of at least half an inch of snow Wednesday through Thursday night.

• "There are still uncertainties in this forecast, but odds for a wintry mix have been increasing across the Hill Country and northern I-35 corridor," forecasters say.

Between the lines: As with any major weather event since the 2021 ice storm, Texans are collectively holding their breath over the status of the state's power grid.

• The grid has been vulnerable to extreme temperatures and has faced intense scrutiny since mass power outages during the historic multi-day storm that contributed to hundreds of deaths.

What they're saying: Grid operators say they're ready to handle the freezing temperatures and precipitation and expect grid conditions to be normal during the weather watch.

• "ERCOT is monitoring conditions closely and will deploy all available tools to manage the grid, continuing a reliability-first approach to operations," according to ERCOT's notice.

Zoom in: Local officials have opened the city's overnight shelters and warming centers.

• CapMetro is offering free rides to One Texas Center, one of the warming shelters.
• Texas Department of Transportation officials are preparing for dangerous road conditions by pre-treating major highways and bridges, which can keep ice from sticking to them.

What's next: Be sure to sign up for emergency alerts and prepare your home and family.

Go deeper: How to prepare for the polar vortex-related cold snap