Saturday, Jan. 24 update

An email from TXST Emergency Management stated that the following schedule will be in effect for the San Marcos campus due to weather conditions:

• Commons & Harris Dining Halls: Normal hours; close at 8 p.m. Saturday, open at 10 a.m. Sunday
• Jones Dining Hall: Close at 8 p.m. Saturday, open at noon Sunday

• LBJ Student Center: Close at 6 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday
• Campus Recreation Center: Close at 6 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday

Friday, Jan. 23 update

According to an email from TXST Emergency Management, the university is continuing to monitor the weather that is expected to impact San Marcos this weekend.

Student Involvement announced on Instagram that the MLK Day of Service event has been canceled due to inclement weather. A decision regarding campus operations on Monday, Jan. 26, is expected to be announced on Sunday at 6 p.m. through official university channels.

Additionally, according to Texas State UPD, Bobcat Safe Rides will suspend operations on Saturday and Sunday to ensure the safety of the student drivers and riders. The top levels of the parking garages close on Friday at 5 p.m. until the end of the weekend. Drivers can move their car to any green, purple or red zone until 7 a.m. Monday.

Original Story

Texas State and local governments are preparing for a potential winter storm that is set to hit the area on Saturday, Jan. 24.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch and Extreme Cold Watch from midnight on Saturday, Jan. 24 to noon on Sunday, Jan. 25. According to the NWS, the winter storm could bring freezing rain and sleet that could cause ice to form on roads and bridges.

“Texas State University is actively monitoring weather forecasts to ensure we are prepared for potential winter weather. With cold temperatures and the possibility of freezing rain in the forecast this weekend, your safety is our priority,” the university wrote in an email to staff, faculty and students. “Based on the current forecast, the university anticipates being open on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, so please plan accordingly and consider any weekend travel plans carefully.”

The university recommends making sure contact information is up to date on so that TXSTATE Alerts will be received. It is also recommended to follow Texas State on social media for updates and to check Safety & Emergency Communications.

According to Russell Wilde, public safety communications specialist for the city of San Marcos, the city is preparing for the storm. Russell said preparations included pre-treating bridges and “priority” roadways starting on Thursday, Jan. 22, treating sidewalks and major infrastructure and winterizing infrastructure and pipes. In an email, Wilde wrote that issues with roadways during the storm can be reported to 512-393-8036.

“The Southside Community Center is activating its Winter Shelter, open nightly Friday evening through Tuesday morning, to provide a safe, warm space for those in need,” Wilde wrote. “They are seeking donations of blankets and snacks.”

Southside Community Center is located at 518 South Guadalupe St. in San Marcos. Its warming shelter opens when temperatures drop below 35 degrees and it has capacity of 40 cots available on a first come first serve basis. The shelter opens at 7 p.m. and closes the following morning at 9 a.m.  

In a press release from Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra, Southside Community Center is listed as the only warming shelter. The county will not be transporting impacted individuals to Southside, Instead, residents should make personal arrangements to get to Southside.

Wilde wrote that the city has crews and trucks in case of issues with the city’s electric grid and the Major Response team will be on standby.

“All ERCOT winter preparedness requirements have been completed,” Wilde wrote.

The city will have extra 9-1-1 staff available during the storm, as well as increasing police patrol staff during the storm. According to Wilde, the San Marcos Police Department would also deploy patrol units if weather conditions warranted it.

The city has also confirmed the readiness of its generators, fuel levels and the Emergency Operation Center. San Marcos’ Office of Emergency Management will monitor NWS alerts during the storm and the city’s communications team is preparing to rapidly update the city’s website and social media feeds with updates.

The city recommends residents stay inside during freezing weather, avoid unnecessary travel, especially overnight and during early morning, prepare for potential power outages and check on family and neighbors who may need help. Power outages can be reported on the city’s website or at 512-393-8313. 

“The County has taken all precautions to support our community partners. [The Community Emergency Response Team] is on standby to assist,” Natalie Frels, communications manager for Hays County, wrote in an email to The Star. “Warming centers will be opened if there is a loss of power for 8 hours or more and the temperature is below freezing.”

The NWS forecast shows temperatures dropping to 18 degrees on Saturday night and 16 degrees on Sunday night.

Frels wrote that if there are any updates or changes to county plans, residents can stay informed at the county’s Office of Emergency Services’ website.