City of Austin Prepares: Encourages Residents to Prepare Also 

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning in effect for January 30, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. CST until February 1, 2023 CST at Noon. The cold front came in last night and, overnight, the NWS enhanced the Warning area to cover Travis County as well as additional counties east in Central Texas.  Wrench Ball Valve Controller

The City of Austin Office of Homeland Secuity and Emergency Management (HSEM) has activated a Situational Assessment Team at the Emergency Operations Center and will be monitoring weather conditions overnight. 

Cold Weather Shelters for the Unhoused: 

The City is activating its Cold Weather Shelters tonight (1/30) and tomorrow night (1/31).  

Cold Weather Shelter Activation Thresholds:  

The City uses the National Weather Service weather report at Camp Mabry as the official location for assessing temperatures due to its central location and proximity to Downtown.  

City Parks Facilities and Libraries serve as warming shelters during regular businesses hours.  Parks facilities will be closing at 6 p.m. Today. Austin Libraries will maintain regular operating hours today.  

Winter Weather Tips.  We are asking residents to make sure they are ready for winter weather conditions. Follow tips at austintexas.gov/winterweather   

Follow additional safety tips from City of Austin departments.  

Austin Parks and Recreation Department  

All Austin Parks and Recreation facilities will close at 6:00 p.m. on January 30, 2023. For additional park closures, visit AustinTexas.gov/ParkClosures. 

During icy weather, look up to check for branch failures before walking under trees. Some isolated areas may get more ice than others, so there may be minor accumulations in one area and major storm damage in another area of town. Call 311 to report damaged trees on City parkland.  

Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services  

The ATCEMS Department Operations Center (DOC) has been activated. Additionally, several temporary policy changes are in effect, which the community may notice.  

The following steps are completed or in progress: 

ATCEMS may modify its transport guidelines as weather conditions impact road travel. 

Additional single-unit response assets will be deployed to assist in any increased call volume. 

The Alternative Transport Unit (ATU) is currently staffed and on duty to assist in transporting low acuity patients to appropriate facilities. ATCEMS Command Staff is attempting to make arrangements to keep this resource on 24 hours a day for the duration of the event. 

ATCEMS is working to expand the capabilities of our Collaborative Care Communications Center (C4) to be available 24 hours a day as an additional resource for finding appropriate dispositions for low acuity patients, including telehealth consults. 

ATCEMS Executive and Command Staff are holding regular planning and logistics meetings to continue preparations, respond to any unanticipated needs, and make additional adjustments as necessary. 

Preparing all response vehicles for cold weather operations, to ensure our fleet is not negatively impacted by the frigid temperatures.  

Additional measures are being taken to ensure all emergency response vehicles remain operational and ready for response. 

EMS Fleet and Facilities staff have been placed on-call to respond to any unanticipated needs. 

ATCEMS Supply Warehouse staff has stockpiled extra cold weather supplies both at our central supply warehouse and has added additional supplies to all ATCEMS stations. 

EMS Supply Staff have been placed on-call to respond to any unanticipated needs. 

Austin Water encourages customers to take steps now to protect their property and prevent damage:  

Watch a video about how to locate your water shutoff. 

Watch a video about how to drip faucets properly. 

Austin Energy is monitoring the weather closely and crews are ready to respond as the winter weather rolls into Austin.  

In extreme cold, ice can add heavy weight and bring wires in contact with trees which may also lead to downed power lines. Do not drive over or go near a downed power line, as it could be energized. Call 311 if you see a downed line to report it. If the line is sparking, call 911.  If you see limbs on wires or see downed tree limbs, please call 311 to report them. 

In case of a power outage:   

Unplug appliances and turn off most lights to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored.   

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed during an outage and follow FDA guidelines for food safety. 

To report a power outage, text OUT to 287846 or visit outagemap.austinenergy.com. You can also report an outage by calling 512-322-9100.   nee 

Register for Austin Energy’s Outage Alerts by texting REG to 287846   

Learn more about how to stay warm, stay safe, and save on your utility bill during winter weather at austinenergy.com/go/winter.   

Monitor ERCOT grid conditions at ERCOT.com for information impacting local and statewide electricity service.   

Customers are also urged to tune in for Austin utility emergency alerts by bookmarking COAUtilities.com, austinenergy.com.  

Follow Austin Energy on social media:   

If using an electric space heater, be sure it has an automatic shut-off switch and non-glowing elements, and make sure to keep away from flammable materials.   

Never heat your home with a gas oven or burn anything in a stove or a fireplace that is not vented. Do not burn paper in a fireplace.   

Austin Public Works is proactively monitoring local streets ahead of forecasted precipitation and freezing temperatures. Crews from our Street and Bridge Operations division have mobilized around-the-clock crew coverage to monitor roadway conditions and address weather impacts. This includes monitoring elevated surfaces/bridges, pre-treating them as needed; applying traction enhancement materials to already-icy roadways; responding to weather related 3-1-1 requests; and removing any tree limbs or debris blocking the right of way. 

PWD does not pre-treat all roadways, bridges and elevated surfaces ahead of freezing temperatures and precipitation. Treatment is performed as conditions warrant and resources allow. If travel is necessary, please be mindful of road conditions in your area. 

The Austin Transportation Department is also advising residents to take steps to travel safely in response to this week’s forecast of winter weather. If you do need to travel, please be especially cautious around elevated areas such as bridges and overpasses. Anyone traveling during potentially icy conditions are advised to:    

Monitor weather conditions before setting out on your trip and avoid traveling, if possible.

Avoid elevated roads, such as overpasses and bridges, if possible.   

Plan additional time for travel, go slowly and turn carefully.   

Avoid sudden braking or accelerating to maintain traction.   

Ensure you have packed emergency supplies in your vehicle such as blankets, jumper cables, emergency lights, and a cell phone charger in case of a crash or emergency.   

Residents who need to report traffic light outages, road damage or any other weather-related concerns, may do so by contacting Austin 3-1-1 via phone (dial 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000) or the Austin 311 mobile app. Austin Transportation will be providing updates in case of an emergency on the department’s Facebook and Twitter channels.  

Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)

Electric Globe Valve Actuator Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) remains open to travelers and aircraft. Department of Aviation staff are monitoring weather conditions and will treat roadways, walkways, runways and other airfield infrastructure with de-icing chemicals and equipment as needed. Because airlines oversee de-icing of their aircraft and because severe weather in other parts of the country can disrupt airline operations, travelers flying out today through Wednesday afternoon should confirm their flight’s schedule prior to leaving for the airport. Travelers can follow updates from the airport’s Twitter account, @AustinAirport