Austin, TX – City of Austin and Travis County recovery operations continue in response to the multiple weather-related crises that hit the area and devastated the community over the past week.  

The extended Winter Weather Event order and disaster declaration for Austin remain in effect to minimize energy demand and ensure the community can continue to tap into every resource available to persevere through this crisis.  

Water Distribution  

The Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center (A-TCEOC) continues with water distribution operations. The first two phases of distribution are currently underway. This includes deliveries to City and County facilities, shelters, and other critical missions. Beginning this morning water is being distributed via partner organizations to our most vulnerable populations.  

As of noon, on February 20, 2021 more than 23,000 gallons of water in approximately 180,000 bottles have been distributed. Information on water received and distributed will be updated at February 2021 - Cold Weather Emergency Resources | AustinTexas.gov and on the City’s social media pages. Water will be arriving in the Austin-area regularly for as long as it is needed.  

Water Utility Restoration   

A boil water notice remains in effect for all Austin Water customers.  

Austin Water is now producing and delivering more water than our city is consuming, allowing  excess water into the reservoirs, which is critical for system health.  

With warming temperatures and improved road conditions, expanded deliveries of supplies and equipment have begun to flow into our facilities. A large number of freeze damaged infrastructure has been repaired and water distribution has shown marked improvement today. Should current trends continue, and with the help of water conservation efforts across the city, customers could see improvements in water service as early as the end of this weekend.   

Please continue to report leaks in your neighborhood using the online issue report form.  

Austin Energy Restoration  

Austin Energy (AE) has restored power to more than 99% of its customers. AE is prioritizing customers that have been out the longest. Working through the system and identifying issues from the severe winter weather will take time. Full restoration may take through at least the weekend. You can stay up to date by following Austin Energy on Twitter and Facebook.  

Shelters and Warming Centers 

Shelters inside the City of Austin continue to operate. The population in the shelters across the community have begun to reduce. As of midnight, there were approximately 500 people in shelters in the area. Limited space in shelters is still available at Del Valle High School, Mendez Middle School, and Reilly Elementary School. 

As residents have power and water service restored, we are coordinating transportation back home via Capital Metro or other private services.   

Warming centers managed by the Austin Independent School District stopped operating yesterday, Friday, February 19 at 9 p.m. 

As a reminder, the Palmer Event Center is at capacity. We are no longer able to accommodate new people there. Additional shelters are operating at area churches in coordination with the network of Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) which can be found here. 

Transportation 

As of February 20, Capital Metro is working on  EXTREMELY LIMITED SERVICES: Capital Metro services will operate 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. this weekend (2/20-2/21) 

All Capital Metro fares will remain suspended through Sunday, February 21 in an effort to keep people out of the cold and move them to their destinations as quickly, and safely as possible. 

To view the most up to date information regarding Capital Metro visit by clicking on the following link.  

Development Services update   

Beginning Monday, February 22, as residents begin emergency repairs,  Development Services Department (DSD) will be available at 512-974-1500 to answer permitting questions.  

After recent winter weather, DSD is speeding up the building permit and inspection process to help return operations back to normal as quickly as possible. Some projects do not require permits. Work can begin right away on projects that present safety hazards in your home or business.  

Roadway Information 

As of this morning, Austin Transportation reports that more than 80 percent of traffic signals are operational. Street and Bridge crews will continue to monitor road conditions. 

Citizens can report potholes, obstructions – such as downed trees in the roadway or sidewalk, using the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app. Using the app helps Public Works track these reports and reduces call volume for 3-1-1 operators. or call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 for support. 

Trash Pick-up Services 

All Austin Resource Recovery services have been suspended until Monday. While ARR crews attempted to resume service yesterday, however road conditions remained unsafe.  

City Resources and Information 

Individuals who are looking for available City and County resources, as well as other community resources can visit austintexas.gov/weatherinfo or austintexas.gov/infoclimatica for Spanish. City and County departments will also continue to provide updates on social media channels.