Icy Conditions Persist in Gillespie County After Winter Storm Fern

Officials urge residents to limit non-essential travel as crews work to clear roads and restore services

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:15pm

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As the impacts of Winter Storm Fern continue into a fourth day, City of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County officials are asking residents to limit non-essential travel due to icy conditions on several major and county roads. Drivers who must be out are advised to reduce speed and use extreme caution, as slick patches remain widespread. Utilities and road crews remain active, and residents are urged to report emergencies to 911 and use 830-997-8080 for non-emergency assistance.

Why it matters

The prolonged icy conditions have led to multiple water leaks, power outages, and road closures, disrupting daily life for Gillespie County residents. Officials are working to restore services and clear roads, but the situation remains hazardous, requiring coordinated emergency response and community preparedness.

The details

Crews are hopeful that sunshine and warmer temperatures will help melt ice and fully clear roadways throughout the day. First responders worked through the night responding to water leaks, particularly at apartment complexes, as frozen pipes began to thaw. Utilities and road crews remain fully active, and residents are urged to report emergencies to 911 and use 830-997-8080 for non-emergency assistance.

  • The Extreme Cold Warning from the National Weather Service expired at 9 a.m. Tuesday, but a hard freeze is still forecast for Tuesday night.
  • The emergency shelter at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church was closed at 12:30 p.m. on Monday.

The players

City of Fredericksburg

The local government of Fredericksburg, Texas, which is working with Gillespie County officials to respond to the winter storm impacts.

Gillespie County

The county in which Fredericksburg is located, which has also been impacted by the winter storm and is coordinating emergency response efforts.

TxDOT

The Texas Department of Transportation, which is applying melting materials to roads in the affected area to help clear icy conditions.

CTEC

The utility company serving parts of Gillespie County, which is monitoring its system for potential additional outages due to the ice.

Gillespie County Emergency Management

The county's emergency management department, which is leading the coordinated response and providing updates to the public.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.