The Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center (ATCEOC) deactivated at noon Friday in response to this week's cold weather as conditions stabilize.  

As of Friday, January 10, following limited precipitation and temperatures forecasted to stay above 35 degrees during the day, the City will now resume normal Cold Weather Shelter (CWS) for overnight only.

Support by the Numbers

Overnight Thursday, the City successfully sheltered 423 individuals from the severe conditions bringing the total number served since Sunday night to 1,565.  

Warming Centers will operate during regular hours for those seeking temporary relief from winter conditions, with Terrazas Branch Library opening on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. 

Throughout the winter weather event, HSEM Logistics coordinated 17 service requests for the delivery of beds, blankets, mats, food, and other supplies to six different shelter locations.  

The City has responded to a variety of public safety weather-related incidents throughout the week.

• Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services responded to 49 weather-related incidents, including 11 cold-related illness incidents,
• Austin Fire Department responded to 23 weather-related fires,  
• Austin Police Department responded to two roadway closures for flooding and 16 potentially weather-related crashes Citywide,  
• Austin 3-1-1 reported 14 weather related calls
• Austin-Bergstrom International Airport reported 35 cancelled flights (due to DFW, Tennessee, and Georgia weather impacts),
• Transportation and Public Works inspected 85 bridges/structures on the maintenance list Thursday night, all of which were deemed passible. One bridge was treated with brine,
• The Watershed Protection Department, including the Flood Early Warning System team (FEWS) and Field Operations crews remained on standby to support flooding impacts.

The new Mass Care team from the City of Austin’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM) hosted its first external coordination call during an EOC activation with non-government organizations and community-based organizations. This effort was in response to requests from organizations to collaborate and improve information sharing during emergencies.  

With temperatures forecasted to dip into the 20s in the early morning Saturday, Jan. 11, the City continues to encourage all Austin-Travis County residents to stay informed, warm, and safe.

Cold Weather Shelter (CWS) Operations Update

CWS will resume normal overnight operations. Shelters were cleared Friday morning for cleaning and normal daytime activities before continuing overnight shelter operations in the evening.  

Friday, Jan. 10 Shelter Registration

Those seeking overnight sheltering should arrive at One Texas Center (OTC), located at 505 Barton Springs Road, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. for registration and embarkation. Bus routes to the OTC include lines 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105, 142, and 801. Anyone seeking a cold-weather shelter without the means to pay the fare will still be provided transportation.

Staying Prepared and Informed

The City reminds the public to visit ReadyCentralTexas.org for resources and tips to prepare and recover from emergencies and sign up for emergency notifications through WarnCentralTexas.org to stay updated on all local alerts.  

Additionally, follow @AustinHSEM on social media platforms like Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram, for the most up-to-date information.  

Residents are asked to call 311 for non-emergency services or assistance. Please keep 911 lines clear for medical or life-threatening emergencies only.  

Austinites can pick up emergency preparedness supplies at the first Emergency Preparedness Pop-Up of 2025 on January 15 from 3-6 p.m. at the John Gillum Branch Library.  

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