North Austin News

The City of Austin plans to resume normal operations on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, as the threat from winter weather decreases. However, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will stay active through at least Wednesday morning due to forecasted overnight lows dropping into the teens.

The National Weather Service reported that between 0.5 and 1 inch of sleet and snow fell along the I-35 corridor. While a dry wind and temperatures in the mid-30s helped dry pavements Tuesday afternoon, caution is still advised for shaded roads and sidewalks that may have icy patches.

Non-essential travel is discouraged until temperatures rise above freezing on Wednesday. Cold Weather Shelters will remain open until 10 a.m. Wednesday after accommodating about 550 people Monday night. All Austin Public Library branches will return to normal operations and provide warmth for those in need.

Austin-Travis County EMS has responded to eight cold-related illness incidents since midnight Tuesday, including one fatality reported midday, alongside 22 injury collisions mostly occurring between midnight and noon. This follows another fatality and eleven cold-related illness incidents on Monday.

Residents are advised to dress warmly if they must be outside and seek immediate medical assistance if signs of cold-related illness appear.

Austin Police responded to 60 weather-related crashes by Tuesday afternoon, including an incident involving an APD patrol vehicle being rear-ended while attending to an earlier crash on S Interstate 35 NB. No injuries were reported from these incidents.

Transportation crews continued treating priority routes and bridges Tuesday, with road staff remaining overnight to handle any freeze impacts or water leaks.

Airport operations at AUS remained normal throughout Tuesday after taxiways and runways were treated overnight.

CapMetro plans to resume normal services for buses, rail, Access, Pickup, and Bikeshare by Wednesday morning but warns of potential detours due to freezing temperatures affecting roads.

Austin Energy reports minimal system impacts from the weather with no major power outages but remains prepared for any issues as cold conditions persist.

Austin Water addressed several water main breaks quickly with service restored within hours for most affected customers. Crews continue repairs safely while providing bottled water when needed during service interruptions.

The EOC will assess ongoing needs by Wednesday morning before deciding on deactivation timing. Updates will be shared via @AustinHSEM social media accounts as well as official City of Austin platforms.

Residents are reminded not to call 9-1-1 unless it's a medical or life-threatening emergency; other inquiries should go through city lines like 3-1-1 or its mobile app. Emergency alerts can be received by registering at WarnCentralTexas.org where updates are also available in multiple languages online at AustinTexas.gov/Alerts.