Ice storm hits the Hill Country, ends in disaster

Large parts of Central Texas experienced significant ice accumulation — leading to multiple governmental agencies making disaster declarations — after a winter storm blew through the Hill Country last week.

The initial winter storm warning went into effect the morning of Monday, Jan. 30, and lasted through 6 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2. Temperatures dipped just below freezing throughout the three-day span with precipitation in the form of a wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain. However, it was the ice accumulation on tree branches and power lines that led to the state of disaster, as noted by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in a statement.

'The State of Texas has provided all assistance requested throughout the severe weather this week, and we continue to ensure that communities across our state have the resources and support they need to recover from the winter weather event,' the statement read.

Abbott issued a disaster declaration for Denton, Hays, Henderson, Milam, Smith, Travis and Williamson counties, all of which experienced significant damage over the last week. Abbott said more counties may be added based on damage assessments still in progress.

Abbott said the declaration would enable the state to provide assistance to people and communities with property damage. He encouraged residents to report damage, with details and photos if possible, through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool survey.

Hays County also issued a disaster declaration regarding the significant damage throughout the county, mobilizing county resources to deal with the dangerous conditions.

“Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra under the advisement of Mike Jones, Emergency Services Director, and Alex Villalobos, Chief of Staff, issued the declaration to prevent threats and maintain the health and safety of the community,” Hays County said in a statement on Feb. 3.

According to the declaration, this activates the Hays County Emergency Management Plan.

The disaster declaration will remain in effect until winter weather conditions no longer exist, it expires after seven days or it is continued by a resolution of the Hays County Commissioners Court.

The city of Dripping Springs followed with its own disaster declaration, issued by Mayor Bill Foulds, Jr. on Feb. 5.

According to a statement from the city, “The Mayor and the Emergency Management Director have determined that weather-related conditions pose a significant threat of property damage and that there is an imminent threat of injury or loss of property resulting from icy weather conditions, damaged trees and landscaping, power outages, internet outages and other related infrastructure due to the recent ice storm.”

UPDATE: This disaster declaration was extended at the Dripping Springs City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 7.