North Austin News

A strong cold front is on its way to Central Texas, bringing with it the first significant drop in temperatures this winter. The National Weather Service is predicting that overnight low temperatures will dip on Sunday night, with a chance that Monday's high temperature will not reach above freezing. This cold snap is expected to last through Tuesday, with low temperatures in the teens.

In light of this impending frigid weather, Ken Snipes, Austin Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) Director, urges community members to take immediate steps to protect themselves, their pets, pipes, and plants. Snipes emphasized the importance of being prepared for extreme weather in Central Texas, stating, "There is no longer a question of if we have extreme weather in Central Texas, but when, and being ready to withstand multiple days of severe weather should become part of our regular winter preparations."

To ensure preparedness for the upcoming winter weather, the City of Austin has provided Austinites with winter weather preparedness tips and has updated City Council on its winter weather preparations. The four steps of emergency preparedness – make a plan, build a kit, know your neighbors, and stay informed – should now be put into action.

Residents of Central Texas can find more information on emergency preparedness and how to ready their homes for cold weather at ReadyCentralTexas.org. The website offers helpful tips to keep families and homes safe during extreme weather conditions.

HSEM's Neighborhood Preparedness Guide is another valuable resource for Central Texans to get ready for the cold weather this weekend. The guide provides detailed information on all four steps of emergency preparedness, including tips specific to each type of weather emergency experienced in Central Texas.

In the event that the cold becomes too much to bear, the Austin Public Library and the Parks and Recreation Department offer Warming Centers during regular business hours. These facilities serve as temporary reprieves from the cold for anyone in need of a warm place to stay during the day. The Warming Centers Map allows individuals to easily locate and get directions to these facilities.

On Sunday and Monday, three Austin Public Library locations – Little Walnut Creek Branch, Ruiz Branch, and Terrazas Branch – will open as Warming Centers from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, the Central Library Special Events Center will open as a Warming Center early on Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Regular library services will resume at 9 a.m.

For those who require overnight shelter from the cold, Cold Weather Shelters will be activated from Sunday through Tuesday morning. These shelters primarily cater to people experiencing homelessness. Information regarding embarkation, registration, and access can be found at AustinTexas.gov/alerts, or by calling the Cold Weather Shelter Hotline at 512-972-5055.

The City of Austin also stands ready to open overnight shelters for families with children if the need arises due to weather impacts. Updates and more information on emergency sheltering will be available at austintexas.gov/alerts in 14 languages.

As winter weather approaches Central Texas, it is crucial for residents to take the necessary precautions and be prepared for the cold snap. By following the guidance provided by the City of Austin and staying informed, individuals can ensure the safety and well-being of themselves and their loved ones during this challenging weather event.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.austintexas.gov/news/first-cold-snap-season-headed-central-texas-prepare-winter-weather-now