City of Austin

Weather Update

The National Weather Service Extreme Cold Warning has been extended for all of South Central Texas through 9 A.M CST today, January 27. As of 4 A.M., ice has been reported on most major roadways and still numerous residential roadways. With increasing clouds and warmer temperatures rising to a high of 47 today, roads are expected to be clear by mid-day. 

The City’s Transportation and Public Works crews continue to monitor and treat critical roadways and bridges around the clock. Priorities include responding to emergency operations requests, supporting CapMetro’s priority transit network, and continuing to monitor and retreat critical roadways and elevated structures as conditions require.  

Residents are strongly urged to use extreme caution if travel is necessary and slow down. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions. Remember to:

• Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on ice.

• Watch carefully for road treatment equipment and stay at least 200 feet behind public safety vehicles.

• Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses, and shaded areas that may still be frozen.

• If you start to skid:

• ease off the gas or brakes

• steer into the skid

• straighten out when you regain control

Consult DriveTexas.org for the latest roadway conditions. The Texas Department of Transportation offers more Winter Weather Driving Tips. 

CapMetro Service will begin limited Bus, Rail, Bikeshare Pickup and Access service at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27. Delays and detours are expected throughout the day. For the full list of affected routes and the latest updates, please visit: www.capmetro.org/weather. Updates will also be shared via social media and CapMetro Alerts: www.capmetro.org/capmetroalerts 

Austin-Travis County EMS is experiencing an increase in call volume related to slips and falls on ice. If you go outside, remember to dress in warm, layered clothing, wear sensible footwear, take small steps, and watch where you’re walking. Since Saturday, ATCEMS has responded to 43 cold-related illness incidents and 64 collisions. 

Our region is in critical need of blood donors to help maintain a healthy blood supply for Central Texas patients in need, especially during periods of disruption like severe weather. Once road conditions improve, the Capital Area of Texas Regional Advisory Council encourages Austinites to donate blood and book an appointment at WeAreBlood.org. 

As temperatures begin to rise, Austin Water offers the following guidance: If your faucet has only a trickle or no water, you may have a frozen pipe or meter. Follow these steps to safely thaw and restore water:

1. Find the frozen area

• Turn on all faucets. If none work, the freeze is likely near the main water line from the meter.

• If only one floor or room is affected, the frozen pipe is likely in that area.

2. Locate the frozen pipe

• Trace pipes for bulges, frost, or ice.

• If nothing is visible, feel for the coldest section of pipe.

3. Thaw slowly and safely

• Open any faucets with even a trickle.

• Open the cold-water faucet closest to the frozen section to relieve pressure.

• Open cabinets to let warm air circulate.

• Wrap the pipe with a towel soaked in warm water.

• You may use a hair dryer or portable heater, but do not use electrical devices near standing water.

• Never use an open flame.

4. Check for leaks

• If water starts flowing, inspect pipes for leaks.

5. If it doesn’t work

• Contact a licensed plumber or your property manager/landlord. 

Austin Water crews are working 24/7 to respond to service calls. Following these steps helps protect your home and lets us serve more customers. Need help?

• 24/7 Water Emergency Response: 512-972-1000 (option 1)

• Track leaks and outages: My ATX Water Customer Portal or Austin Water Leak & Outage Map

• Updates on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube 

City Facilities & Services 

Modified Operations will be in effect for City facilities and will open two hours from regular opening hours of operation on Tuesday, Jan. 27. 

Austin Aviation confirms that the airport remains open and still encourages all travelers to check flight status with their airlines before arriving.  

Cold Weather Shelters will continue 24 hours until Wednesday morning and will resume normal CWS operations Wednesday evening, with embarkation starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m. Please note:

• For sheltering Tuesday and Wednesday night, embarkation is available at One Texas Center (505 Barton Springs Rd.) from 6-8 p.m.

• In partnership with the Austin Area Urban League, cold-weather shelter operations continue at seven facilities. A total of 748 individuals and 15 pets were welcomed overnight across congregate Cold Weather Shelters and family shelter locations. 

All Austin Public Library locations are scheduled to open with a two-hour delay at 11 a.m. except the following facilities, which will remain open to serve as Warming Centers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 

• Central Library – 710 W. Cesar Chavez St. 

• Terrazas Branch – 1105 E. César Chavez St. 

• Little Walnut Creek Branch – 835 W. Rundberg Ln. 

• One Texas Center- 505 Barton Springs Rd. (open until embarkation ends at 8 p.m.) 

Austin Resource Recovery curbside pickup will continue to be delayed by one day this week. Trash, recycling, compost, bulk, brush, and hazardous waste appointments will all be moved to the next day. On-demand bulk, brush, and hazardous waste appointments will also be delayed one day. Get updates and reminders at austintexas.gov/MySchedule.