The Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) officially deactivated winter weather response operations at noon Wednesday, as the worst of the severe weather moves out of the area. While EOC operations have concluded, the City of Austin will continue Cold Weather Sheltering through at least Thursday, January 23.

Mayor Kirk Watson said preparation paid off as City of Austin essential services continued through the storm, warm food and shelter were provided to those seeking it, roads were treated and kept as safe as possible, and preparedness and safety messaging was continuously provided throughout the event.

“I want to thank our city staff - particularly our first responders, those working at the Emergency Operations Center, and the scores of people who made sure our shelters were up and running and that people who needed them could get there. They’ve been excellent. And I also want to thank Austinites for heeding our warnings and being prepared,” Watson said. “I have pledged to the people of Austin that when dangerous weather occurs, we will be here for them and, most importantly, we will stay in touch with vital information and do our best to maintain and restore vital services. We learn from every emergency, and we still have improvements to make, but I believe the City’s response to this winter weather event shows we’re headed in the right direction.”  

Austin Energy reported minimal impact during this week’s winter weather event with no major power outages. Austin Water responded to a small number of water main breaks which briefly affected a small number of customers. Water was restored to most of these breaks in a few hours or less and bottled water was provided to affected customers. The City’s Transportation and Public Works Department treated 700 lane miles of roads and 165 bridges and elevated structures, assessing 523 critical route streets.

Underscoring the dangers winter weather brings, Austin-Travis County EMS responded to a total of 35 cold-related illness incidents from midnight on January 19 through 11 a.m. on January 22, which included the two fatalities previously reported (one on Monday and one on Tuesday).

The City opened Cold Weather Shelters beginning on Saturday night, serving between approximately 230 to 550 people each night at up to six shelters around the city. Pets were welcomed as well. Cold Weather Shelters will remain open tonight and any night the temperature is forecasted to drop to 35 degrees or below.

Warming Centers

All Austin Public Library branches and have returned to normal operations and serve as warming centers during regular business hours. 

Most City of Austin Parks and Recreation (PARD) facilities have resumed regular operating hours and can serve as warming centers. A map of warming center locations can be found at austintexas.gov/alerts.

Other City Operations

After suspending trash, recycling, composting, on-demand bulk, brush and household hazardous waste collections for Tuesday due to winter weather conditions, Austin Resource Recovery operations resumed services on Wednesday, January 22.  

• Monday and Tuesday collections that were missed will be collected first. 
• Wednesday, Thursday and Friday customers should set carts out by 5:30 a.m. on their scheduled collection day. 

Collection delays are possible, and customers should leave any uncollected carts and materials out to allow crews to catch up throughout the week. Customers can get updates about service changes by downloading the Austin Recycles app or by signing up for reminders at austintexas.gov/myschedule.

Cold Weather Safety

With overnight temperatures remaining low, there is still a risk for hypothermia and frostbite. If you or someone you are with shows signs of cold-related illness, seek immediate medical assistance or call 9-1-1.  

Austinites should bundle up, dress in layers, minimize time outdoors, and continue to exercise caution. Remember to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants from cold weather.

Never use ovens, stoves, or grills to warm your home, as this could cause exposure to carbon monoxide. If you don’t have power, the best ways to keep warm are:

• Wear multiple layers of warm, lightweight clothing.
• Wear mittens or gloves, and a hat.
• Wrap yourself in plenty of blankets.
• Keep curtains closed unless the sun is out, to conserve heat.
• Put everyone in the household in one room.
• If you’re using a space heater, make sure it has plenty of room and an automatic off switch.

More safety tips for winter weather and other hazards are available at ReadyCentralTexas.org.

Anytime the City of Austin is experiencing a weather emergency, expect updates to be posted on @AustinHSEM social media accounts on Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram and shared to the official City of Austin accounts.

If you have not signed up to receive emergency alerts on your phone, please visit WarnCentralTexas.org to register. Alerts can be sent via text, call, and/or email.  

During an activation, critical updates will be posted online at AustinTexas.gov/Alerts and available in 14 different languages.

###