North Austin News

The National Weather Service has issued a Cold Weather Advisory for the Austin/Travis County area, which will remain in effect through Wednesday morning. Wind chill temperatures could drop as low as 8 degrees. In response, the City of Austin will resume normal operations today as the threat of winter weather impacts diminishes.

All Austin Public Library branches will return to their regular operations and serve as warming centers during business hours. Most facilities under the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) will also resume normal hours and can function as warming centers. However, city recreation centers and senior activity centers, which have been supporting cold weather shelter operations, will open at noon. A map detailing warming center locations is available at austintexas.gov/alerts.

Outdoor year-round pools and golf courses in Austin will stay closed until conditions are safe for reopening. Pools will not be guarded until temperatures rise above freezing. For complete closure information regarding Parks and Recreation facilities, visit www.AustinTexas.gov/ParkClosures.

Austin Resource Recovery suspended trash, recycling, composting, on-demand bulk, brush, and household hazardous waste collections on Tuesday due to adverse weather conditions but plans to resume services on Wednesday, January 22. Customers may experience collection delays; they should leave uncollected carts out for crews to catch up throughout the week. Updates about service changes can be accessed by downloading the Austin Recycles app or signing up for reminders at austintexas.gov/myschedule.

Residents are advised to dress warmly in layers and minimize outdoor activities while exercising caution on shaded roads and sidewalks due to potential icy patches. It's important to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants from the cold weather.

Travelers are reminded not to use ovens, stoves or grills for home heating due to carbon monoxide risks. Bitterly cold temperatures increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite; anyone showing signs of cold-related illness should seek immediate medical assistance or call 9-1-1.

The Emergency Operations Center remains active with leaders assessing ongoing needs before determining when it can deactivate. Updates will be shared via @AustinHSEM social media accounts on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram as well as official City of Austin channels.

Residents who haven't signed up for emergency alerts can register at WarnCentralTexas.org to receive notifications via text message, phone call or email. Critical updates during this period are posted online at AustinTexas.gov/Alerts in 14 different languages.