Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Facebook
Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Facebook
The Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center (ATCEOC) was deactivated at noon on Friday as weather conditions improved. The City of Austin announced that the Cold Weather Shelter (CWS) would resume its normal overnight operations, following a week of cold temperatures and limited precipitation.
On Thursday night, 423 individuals were sheltered from severe weather, bringing the total number served since Sunday to 1,565. Warming centers will continue to operate during regular hours for those needing temporary relief from winter conditions. The Terrazas Branch Library will open on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Throughout the week, HSEM Logistics coordinated 17 service requests for supplies such as beds, blankets, mats, and food across six shelter locations. Public safety incidents related to the weather were also addressed by city officials.
The Mass Care team from the City of Austin’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM) conducted its first external coordination call with non-government and community-based organizations during an EOC activation. This initiative aimed to enhance collaboration and information sharing during emergencies.
With temperatures expected to drop into the 20s early Saturday morning, residents are encouraged to stay informed and safe. Overnight shelter registration is available at One Texas Center (OTC), located at 505 Barton Springs Road, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Bus routes serving this location include lines 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105, 142, and 801. Transportation will be provided for those unable to pay fares.
The public is reminded to visit ReadyCentralTexas.org for emergency preparedness resources and sign up for alerts through WarnCentralTexas.org. Updates can also be found by following @AustinHSEM on social media platforms like Facebook and X/Twitter.
For non-emergency services or assistance, residents should call 311 while keeping the 911 lines clear for medical or life-threatening emergencies only. Emergency preparedness supplies will be available at a pop-up event on January 15 from 3-6 p.m. at the John Gillum Branch Library.
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