Austin, TX – The National Weather Service issued a Cold Weather Advisory for the Austin/Travis County area that remains in effect through Wednesday morning, with wind chill temperatures as low as 8 degrees. The City of Austin will resume normal operations today as the threat of winter weather impacts diminishes.  

Warming Centers

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

Most City of Austin Parks and Recreation (PARD) facilities will resume regular operating hours and can serve as warming centers. However, City recreation centers and senior activity centers have been supporting cold weather shelter operations and will open at 12 p.m. A map of warming center locations can be found at austintexas.gov/alerts. 

Other City Operations

Outdoor year-round pools and golf courses will remain closed until they can open safely. Pools will be unguarded until temperatures are above freezing. Complete Parks and Recreation closure information can be found at www.AustinTexas.gov/ParkClosures. 

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 will resume 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 Wednesday morning temperatures remaining well below freezing, Austinites should bundle up, dress in layers, minimize time outdoors, and continue to exercise caution, especially along shaded roads and sidewalks, as there may still be icy patches. Remember to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants from cold weather. 

When traveling, remember the following:

• Drive at slower speeds to maintain control of your vehicle.

• Leave additional space between you and the vehicle in front of you to allow additional stopping time.

• Map out a route beforehand to avoid elevated areas where black ice tends to form. Visit: www.drivetexas.org 

• If your car begins to skid, do NOT slam on your brakes. Release the accelerator and steer into the direction of the skid but be careful not to over-correct.

• If you are involved in a collision on an icy roadway, DO NOT exit your vehicle unless you are in immediate danger. Remain inside and call for help. 

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. 

Temperatures will be bitterly cold, increasing the 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. 

Emergency Operations Center