Five years have passed since the devastating 2021 winter storm that crippled Texas, leaving millions without power, heat, and, in many cases, access to water.
Steele HS classes canceled Wednesday due to bomb threat, police say other schools received similar messages ‘S--- show out west’: Kerr County releases thousands of records showing officials’ response to July 4 floodingSuspect arrested in connection with scheme that cost Converse woman her life’s savings San Antonio CEO pleads guilty related to involvement in $69 million+ investment fraud scheme6 minutes agoSakai, Nirenberg tout experience in faceoff for Bexar County JudgeRead full article: Cold front arrives SaturdayHow San Antonio ’s local utilities reinforced their systems after 2021 winter storm– Five years have passed since the devastating 2021 winter storm that crippled Texas, leaving millions without power, heat, and, in many cases, access to water.
What happened during that week revealed critical gaps in how agencies communicated risks and how residents understood them.Meteorologist Jason Runyen with the National Weather Service says the storm forced a complete reevaluation of communication strategies. “We learned a lot from it. So I think once we kind of took a breath, we were able to go back, have some after‑actions, reviews, and learn what went well and what didn’t go well in our messaging,” he said. Since then, Runyen says forecasters have moved toward impact-based messaging, focusing not just on how much ice or snow might fall, but what that means for everyday life. “Instead of just communicating how much freezing rain or snow we might get, or how cold the temperatures might get. What does that really mean to you as an individual?”Local meteorologists, including the KSAT Weather Authority, have adopted similar strategies. After 2021, community anxiety around winter weather rose sharply.“The messaging changed throughout. The biggest takeaway is since then, the message has gone from ‘there’s a chance of wintry weather’ to it being a novel, to it being nerve‑racking for folks.”The storm’s impact went far beyond icy roads and rolling power outages. For city agencies like CPS Energy and the San Antonio Water System , the winter storm left a lasting impact and prompted operational changes.In addition to our year-round conservation outreach, we host seasonal press conferences each summer and winter regarding our preparedness efforts. These briefings highlight the work our teams complete to prepare power plants for extreme temperatures and provide customers with clear information on how to contact us for assistance along with safety and energy savings tips.”Meanwhile, SAWS recalled widespread confusion among residents trying to determine whether frozen household pipes or system-wide failures caused their water outages. “People were trying to figure out, ‘is it my house, or is it the system?’” said Anne Hayden, Communications Director for SAWS. “If your pipes freeze at your house, a lot of people think the water is out, but it isn’t just the pipes at your house.”“Our website actually got 10 times the number of hits that it normally does,” Hayden said. “Most people were getting their information about their water service through our website.” Hayden says they’ve also built ready-to-use cold‑weather graphics so residents know exactly what tools and preparations they need before temperatures drop. “We now have graphics that are ready that we advise. You know, if it’s going into cold weather, make sure you have these tools at your house.” SAWS now leans heavily on email and text alert systems to deliver critical information directly to customers, especially during power outages. From meteorologists to water system officials, the message is clear: The 2021 winter storm permanently changed how San Antonio communicates during weather emergencies.Shelby Ebertowski joined KSAT 12 News in January 2025. She came to San Antonio from Fargo, North Dakota via the University of North Dakota, where she learned the ropes as a weekend forecaster over two years at KVLY. Her love of weather love began after experiencing Hurricane Harvey in 2017.‘It looked like he got hit by a car’: Helotes dog returns home with mysterious injuriesVIA employee union ‘not on board’ with free bus fare pushJudson ISD student shares frustration over potential Franz Elem. closureFIVE YEARS AGO: A look back at the historic February 2021 winter storm in San AntonioSan Antonio surgeon shares his heart attack survival story, encourages others to prioritize health4 in 5 Texas Education Freedom Account applicants plan on attending private schoolGet a loook at the 2026 Rodeo fairground food!😋VALENTINE'S FORECAST: Storms are likely around San AntonioSCAM ALERT: Watch out for romance scams ahead of Valentine’s DayEl Paso airspace reopened after FAA quickly reverses 10-day flight restrictionsVIA partners with San Antonio leaders to offer free, reduced bus fares
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