From: Lorenzo Sanchez
Sent: Monday, March 03, 2014 4:38 PM
To: Be Prepared
Subject: EM Alert 2: Winter Weather Advisory & Overnight Conditions
Importance: High

UTSA Preparedness Partners,

UPDATE:  The latest information from the National Weather Service is mostly consistent with earlier forecasts provided this morning.  Cold temperatures will remain in place, and paired with increasing precipitation chances, a slight threat for icy conditions may exist this evening and into the morning commute, particularly on overpasses, bridges, and elevated surfaces.  Thunderstorms can also be present with this system, whereby pockets of isolated rain/sleet may be exist throughout Bexar County.  Overnight, temperatures will hover around freezing (or just below) for northern portions of Bexar County, whereby central Bexar and metro San Antonio will vary between 32 – 35 degrees.  A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the San Antonio metro from 8:00 pm tonight through 12:00 pm Tuesday.  I have attached the latest weather briefing slides provided to area Emergency Managers earlier this afternoon.

UTSA Preparedness and Recommendations:

· Emergency Management:  Remains in close communication with local public safety partners, National Weather Service, TxDOT, school districts, and City/County organizations.  Emergency Operations Center is monitoring weather conditions.

· Police:  Monitor roadways, bridges, access roads, and are ready to deploy barricades if necessary. 

· University Communications:  Providing support to update websites, weather hotlines, social media, and communications with campus stakeholders.

· Facilities:  Maintain a state of readiness, and will implement components of the ice plan as necessary to keep university roads and walkways safe.

· UTSA Departments:  Secure sensitive equipment from freezing conditions if stored outside or in vulnerable areas.  Update call trees and related weather procedures; share with staff and faculty.  Monitor the Campus Alerts website (www.alerts.utsa.edu) and 458-SNOW (7669).

· Protect pipes, plants, people, and pets from freezing conditions.

· Limit outdoor activities and take frequent breaks to warm-up; dress in layers.

· Use caution on roadways, as there may be slick spots on rural roads, bridges, overpasses, and other areas.

· UTSA community should monitor the Campus Alerts website, 458-SNOW (7669), and social media for updates on university operations.

Resources:

· National Weather Service – San Antonio:  http://www.weather.gov/sanantonio

· UTSA Campus Alerts Webpage:  www.alerts.utsa.edu – Monitor the Campus Alerts website for the latest information on campus operations.

· 458-SNOW (7669):  Hotline has been updated and will be maintained through Tuesday with the latest information.

· Street Closures:  http://www.sanantonio.gov/public-works/emergencystreetclosures.aspx

· Highway Conditions:  http://www.drivetexas.org/Full/

Please forward this information to your department stakeholders.  See attached presentation for more details.  Thanks and be safe!

TONIGHT:

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY:

______________________________

Lorenzo D. Sanchez, MPA, CEM

Director of Emergency Management

The University of Texas at San Antonio

University Police Department

Office of Emergency Management

One UTSA Circle

San Antonio, Texas 78249

Phone:  (210) 458-6756

Fax:  (210) 458-7602

Email:  lorenzo.sanchez@utsa.edu

Website:  www.utsa.edu/utsapd

Campus Alerts:  http://alerts.utsa.edu/