Austin Braces for Winter Storm and Potential Freezing Rain

As Austin braces for an impending winter storm, authorities are advising residents to stay indoors. The potentially hazardous cold front is expected to bring freezing rain and ice accumulation to Central Texas over the weekend.

Austin’s Winter Storm Preparations

Travis County Judge Andy Brown declared a disaster on Friday, emphasizing the severity of the situation. He, along with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, urged the community to limit travel during this freezing weather event.

“If you don’t need to be out over the weekend, please don’t be out,” stated Mayor Watson. He urged residents to prepare their homes for the severe cold.

Forecast and Official Warnings

The National Weather Service, represented by Jason Runyen, indicated that this “dangerously cold” weather could lead to up to a quarter-inch of ice starting Saturday. Freezing rain and sleet are likely to impact the Hill Country as the cold front moves in.

Runyen cautioned that the forecast is still subject to change. He advised residents to stay informed, as fluctuations in the ice accumulation forecast may occur over the next 24 to 36 hours.

Weather-Related Closures

Due to the expected severe weather, many local establishments have announced closures:

• H-E-B’s Central Texas stores will close at 5 p.m. Saturday and reopen at 9 a.m. Sunday.
• UT-Austin will suspend operations and cancel all events starting Saturday at 5 p.m. until noon Sunday.

Although the state’s electrical grid operator, ERCOT, does not foresee widespread power outages, concerns about Austin Energy’s grid remain. Previous ice storms in 2023 led to significant outages affecting hundreds of thousands.

Austin Energy General Manager Stuart Reilly assured the public that the utility has improved its preparations and is fully staffed for the storm. “Our crews are ready. Our staffing plans are in place,” he stated, emphasizing their preparedness for the winter weather.

Public Transport Impact

Cap Metro CEO Dottie Watkins announced that the city’s transit services will halt starting Saturday evening. She indicated that service could resume as early as Sunday or Monday, depending on safety assessments.

Watkins encouraged transit users to complete any necessary travel by 4 p.m. Saturday and noted that Cap Metro buses will continue to operate routes to cold weather shelters.

Winter Storm Warning Details

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning that will take effect Saturday at 6 a.m. The anticipated cold front is expected to enter Texas tonight, with temperatures in Austin forecasted to drop to freezing by the afternoon.

Freezing temperatures are likely to continue until at least Monday evening, with a brief rise above freezing expected afterward before another freeze overnight. Residents are advised to stay tuned for further updates.