Fredericksburg, Texas – As Winter Storm Fern intensifies across Gillespie County, the City of Fredericksburg and county officials urge all residents to remain home and stay off the roads as conditions continue to deteriorate.
“We are just over 12 hours into what is likely to be a 72‑hour winter weather event, and conditions are only getting worse,” Gillespie County Emergency Management Coordinator Ashley Morris said. “I cannot stress this enough: please stay off the roads. Ice is making travel extremely dangerous and avoiding unnecessary travel helps keep our first responders available for true emergencies. Stay weather‑aware, have a plan in place in case of a power outage and make sure you’re signed up for our emergency alert system so you receive critical updates as this storm continues to unfold.”
Gillespie County Judge Daniel Jones has officially lifted the countywide burn ban as of Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. following consultation with the County Fire Marshal and agreement from county fire chiefs. While draught conditions have improved enough to allow outdoor burning, officials caution that precipitation has been inconsistent across the county, and residents should carefully assess conditions in their specific area before burning. All individuals are urged to use extreme caution when conducting any outdoor burns to ensure safety.
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. As of the latest update, no residents have checked in, but 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.
Led by Morris, the county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) opened 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.
City Public Works crews and County road teams remain prepared to address icing and debris as conditions develop. TxDOT has been active throughout the day, applying granular material across Gillespie County, including along Highways 87 and 290, to reduce ice buildup. The City reports no utility outages, while Central Texas Electric Co‑op noted a few minor outages earlier in the day, all of which were resolved quickly. The Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office reported roadway concerns in the western and northern areas of the county.
Latest Forecast
Forecast confidence continues to improve, and the National Weather Service has now issued a Winter Storm Warning, Ice Storm Warning and Extreme Cold Warning for much of South‑Central Texas—including the Hill Country and Gillespie County.
Ice accumulations of 0.25” to 0.50” are possible. Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous throughout the warning period.
Temperatures will remain below freezing from Saturday into Monday, with dangerously cold wind chills ranging from the single digits to below zero, creating a prolonged risk for icy conditions, power disruptions and threats to unprotected pipes, livestock, and vulnerable residents.
Residents are strongly encouraged to prepare for extended cold, avoid travel and stay tuned to the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio for ongoing updates.
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.
Known Closures
- 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.
- Fredericksburg’s H-E-B will be only open until 9 p.m. Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- The City’s Sanitary Landfill and Recycling Center will be closed on Saturday.
- Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park will close on Friday at 10 p.m. and will tentatively reopen at noon on Monday.
- 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 has also announced that they will be closed Saturday-Monday.
- The Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau has announced the Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center will not be open on Saturday or Sunday.
- The bulk water pumps at the City of Fredericksburg’s Warehouse turned off Friday at 3:45 p.m. The pumps will remain offline through the weekend and are expected to be turned back on Tuesday morning, pending temperatures rising above freezing.
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. Emergency Management issued an alert Thursday at 4:35 p.m.; if you did not receive it, please log in and update your notification settings. 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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