While the worst of the weather from this most recent winter event has passed, the danger of below freezing temperatures continues to affect Austinites. Please continue to protect the four Ps: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants while also checking on your neighbors.
The National Weather Service’s Hard Freeze Warning and Wind Chill Advisory remain in effect through 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Please take precautions by limiting time outdoors and dressing in layers or staying covered as much as possible.
City of Austin and Travis County leadership held a news conference at 11 a.m. on Tuesday to provide an update to the community on winter weather response. A recording of that press conference is available now in English and Spanish on ATXN’s webpage.
Warming Centers and Shelters
Libraries and recreation centers are open as warming centers during normal business hours. For a map of all warming centers, visit AustinTexas.gov/Alerts. Cold Weather Shelters remain activated until Wednesday morning for those needing a warm place to stay overnight. More than 600 people used these shelters on Monday night. Anyone in need of overnight shelter may register from 6-8 p.m. at One Texas Center (505 Barton Springs Road). For shelter after 8 p.m., contact Austin 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000 to request assistance.
As a reminder, Austin Parks and Recreation Department’s programs are canceled through Wednesday morning at some locations. The City encourages checking the department's website before heading to a location.
Repairs and Permits
As temperatures begin to warm up, everyone should check their water pipes for areas that may be frozen and thaw them properly. If there is little or no water coming out of a faucet or there is low water pressure, a frozen pipe or water meter may be the problem. If the pipe is frozen, thaw it slowly. For complete instructions on how to locate and thaw frozen pipes, visit AustinWater.org. For issues with a suspected damaged meter call Austin Water dispatch at 512-972-1000.
If emergency repairs need to be completed on a property, the City’s Development Services Department will work retroactively with homeowners, business owners and contractors to permit and inspect emergency repairs to ensure work was completed safely. For damages on tenant-occupied properties, residents should notify their landlord. Code Compliance inspectors are following up on Austin 3-1-1 requests to work with property representatives to get their properties up to code as quickly as possible.
Power Supply
Austin Energy continues to closely monitor the winter weather and stay in close contact with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT). Austin Energy will share any grid condition changes from ERCOT. Austin Energy has crews on standby 24/7 to respond immediately to power outages.
As the temperatures fall, here’s how you can save energy and stay warm:
- Lower thermostats by a few degrees.
- If you have a fireplace, use it to help heat your home instead of turning up the thermostat. When not in use, make sure your fireplace damper is closed to prevent heat from escaping up the chimney.
- Keep doors and windows closed to minimize hot air from escaping the home.
- Close shades without direct sunlight to retain warmth.
- Switch the setting on ceiling fans to run clockwise at a low speed.
- Do not use the oven to heat your home.
Find more conservation tips at austinenergy.com/winter.
Emergency Operations
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains active and both the City and County’s emergency management departments continue to monitor conditions from the EOC along with other departments and non-government organizations that assist with emergency response.
Updates regarding this winter weather event are available at AustinTexas.gov/Alerts in 14 different languages. Please follow @AustinHSEM on Facebook and Twitter for other updates and information.
If you need assistance, call 311, or 512-974-2000, or use the Austin 3-1-1 mobile app. Austin 3-1-1 can connect you with a variety of city resources.
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