Austin, TX - The City of Austin will resume normal operations Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, as the threat of winter weather impacts diminishes. However, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will remain active through at least Wednesday morning as overnight lows are forecasted to drop into the teens Tuesday night.

According to the National Weather Service, 0.5” to 1” of sleet, snow and sleet fell long the I-35 corridor along I-35. A dry wind and temperatures in the mid-30s Tuesday afternoon helped to dry pavement, meteorologists said. However, the public should continue to exercise caution, especially along shaded roads and sidewalks, as they may still have icy patches.  

Snow and moisture may remain on less-traveled roads and is expected to freeze again overnight. Non-essential travel is discouraged until temperatures return above freezing Wednesday.

Cold Weather Shelters/Warming Centers

Cold Weather Shelters will remain open until 10 a.m. Wednesday. About 550 people utilized the shelters Monday night. All Austin Public Library branches will return to normal operations and can provide a warm place for people in need.

Austin-Travis County EMS

Since midnight, Austin-Travis County EMS has responded to a total of eight cold-related illness incidents (including the fatality reported midday Tuesday) Tuesday, and 22 injury collisions, the majority of which were between midnight and noon. Temperatures will still be bitterly cold overnight, increasing the risk for hypothermia and frostbite. This is in addition to 11 cold-related illness incidents and another fatality Monday.

If you must spend time outside, dress in multiple layers of warm, loose-fitting clothing, and remember to wear a hat, scarf, and gloves. If you or someone you are with shows signs of cold-related illness, seek immediate medical assistance or call 9-1-1.

Austin Police

As of Tuesday afternoon, Austin Police had responded to 60 weather-related crashes. That included an incident just after 5 a.m. Tuesday, where officers responded to a single 18-wheeler crash in the 12300 block of S Interstate 35 NB. While working the call, an APD patrol vehicle was rear-ended by a vehicle. No injuries were reported as a result of either crash.

Transportation and Public Works

Crews continued to treat priority routes and bridges Tuesday. Road crews will remain on staff overnight to respond to roads and bridges that freeze again, as well as be on call for impacts from potential water leaks and other concerns.

Aviation

Airport crews were able to maintain normal operations at AUS Tuesday. Taxiways and runways were treated overnight and maintained throughout the operational period Tuesday to ensure no disruptions.

CapMetro

CapMetro will resume normal operations for fixed-route Bus, including Flyer, Express and Night Owls, as well as CapMetro Rail, Access, Pickup and Bikeshare on Wednesday, January 22. CapMetro Bikeshare will resume at 7 a.m. and Pickup in Lago Vista, as well as Route 214, will resume operations at their normal start times.  

Due to the freezing overnight temperatures, some roads may be impacted, and CapMetro may put some fixed-route services on detours. The agency continues to ask that customers be cautious of possible ice and remain patient with any delays. Customers can stay up to date on their routes by signing up for CapMetro Alerts.

Austin Energy

Austin Energy reports minimal impacts to its system from the inclement weather with no major power outages. As the cold continues, Austin Energy remains ready to respond if needed. Customers can report power outages at AustinEnergy.com/Outages.

Austin Water

Austin Water crews quickly responded to water main breaks that occurred overnight and early this morning, which briefly affected a small number of customers. Water service was restored for most of these breaks in just a few hours. Crews also responded to a leak repair Tuesday afternoon near the intersection of Suffolk Drive and Belfast Drive, which temporarily impacted 31 customers.

Austin Water crews are committed to making repairs as quickly and safely as possible. Crews are providing bottled water when a service interruption is expected.  

Austin Water notifies customers directly with door hangers and My ATX Water portal messages to provide updates via email, text and/or automated calls. Customers are encouraged to contact Austin Water's 24/7 customer service line at 512-972-1000 with any questions or concerns or check the Austin Water Leak and Outage Map for updates.

Emergency Operations Center

The Emergency Operations Center will remain in operation through Wednesday morning. At that time, leaders will assess the incident’s ongoing needs and determine a time to deactivate.

Updates will be posted on @AustinHSEM social media accounts on Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram and shared to the official City of Austin accounts.  

Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you have a medical or life-threatening emergency. If you need other types of service or assistance from the city, please call 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 or download the 3-1-1 mobile app. Keeping 9-1-1 lines clear for only emergencies will allow the City to properly dispatch first responders and emergency personnel to those who need immediate help.  

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