JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
A strong cold front moving across the western United States will bring a chance of severe thunderstorms late tonight with possible wind gusts of 50 knots and 1 inch hail. Heavy rain is also expected for the Joint Base San Antonio area, with most areas receiving 1 to 1.5 inches and localized areas receiving 3 to 5 inches of rain.
After the thunderstorms pass, a shot of cold air behind the front will bring a rain/snow mix into the Hill Country area and possibly into Northwest Bexar County, to include Camp Bullis.
With temperatures staying above freezing, ice accumulation is not expected, but highway overpasses may become slick. People who will be traveling through the Hill Country late Wednesday night and into Thursday are advised to take precautions for possible icy roadways.
In preparation for the upcoming severe weather, the 502nd Civil Engineer Group asks that everyone prepare facilities and areas as follows:
1. Make sure all windows and exterior doors are secure/shut. If possible, unclog gutters and area drains by removing debris. Remove small items around facilities that could easily be blown around by high winds.
2. If there are areas that are known to flood (basements, low spots) 502nd CES has sandbags across JBSA for your use at the following locations:
- JBSA-Lackland: Building 5595 parking lot - 210-671-3288
- JBSA-Fort Sam Houston: Building 4197 East end loading dock - 210-488-8983
-- JBSA-Randolph: Hangar 62 and Building 1046 - 210-652-3404
3. If there are areas of concern which need safety evaluations prior to the storm, please call the above numbers per location.
4. Once the severe weather has passed, use extreme care when accessing the outside of your facility in case electrical lines have been blown down and have created a safety hazard. To avoid electrocution and potential fires, if a downed power line is identified, STAY AWAY and immediately call JBSA Emergency Services.
6. Report any damages, fallen trees, large limbs, roof/facility leaks, etc. to:
- JBSA-Lackland: 210-671-5555
- JBSA-Fort Sam Houston: 210-466-5555
- JBSA-Randolph: 210-652-5555
Please check your shelter-in-place and evacuation procedures, at work and at home. Remember to secure outdoor items that may blow away in strong winds, stay out of low-water crossings and know where your shelter-in-place location is in case the storm is followed by a tornado.
The following are maps highlighting regions historically known to be potential flooding areas:
- JBSA-Randolph: There are three known areas off-base to watch out for: under the bridge at the intersection of FM 78 and Loop 1604, FM 1518 near FM 78, and FM 78 at the bridge leading into Schertz
- JBSA-Lackland: The roads near the flight line are most prone to flooding
- JBSA-Fort Sam Houston: Stay vigilant as many roads may flood, especially around the Binz-Engleman and Walters Gates
- Port of San Antonio & JBSA-Kelly Field: All vehicle traffic should avoid Gen McMullen Highway leading into or away from the Port of San Antonio
- JBSA-Camp Bullis: Many roads are possible flood hazards
JBSA weather flights will continue to monitor the situation and will issue updates as needed. In the meantime, please call the Emergency Management Office at 210-671-2260 if you have any questions or concerns.