A strong winter storm will head through central Texas Monday night into Tuesday morning and is expected to leave snow and ice on the area.

The National Weather Service in San Angelo has issued a winter storm warning for heavy snow, near blizzard conditions, and sleet for our region.  The warning is in effect from midnight tonight through noon Tuesday.    Texas Department of Transportation is preparing to work some early morning hours to ensure that travel is safe on the major highways, bridges and overpasses.

The National Weather Service is predicting what they call “near blizzard conditions” across the Big Country.   Heavy snow near blizzard conditions and some sleet are expected to develop after midnight with the best potential after 2am for much of the Big Country.  The best chance for an all out blizzard will be between 2 am and 9am.  Some periods of freezing rain are possible mainly south of a San Angelo to Brownwood line.  Heavy snow potential will end around 9am.  Late Tuesday morning mainly light snow and blowing snow is expected.

Snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches will be possible in northern regions of the Big Country and 3 to 5 inches of snow and sleet is possible in the Brownwood and surrounding area.   Also ice accumulations of around 1/10 of an inch are possible.

Wind chill factors in the single digits are also possible over the next few days as north winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 40 mph are expected.  Snow and blowing snow may reduce visibilities below 1/4 mile resulting in blizzard conditions across mainly the Big Country.

Temperatures are expected to stay below 30 degrees for the next several days.  Travel is strongly discouraged late tonight and Tuesday.

Local schools will announce plans for any school closings or delays early Tuesday morning.