Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
The Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has concluded its winter weather response operations as severe weather moves out of the area. Despite the deactivation, Cold Weather Sheltering will continue through at least January 23.
Mayor Kirk Watson highlighted the city's preparedness during the storm. "I want to thank our city staff - particularly our first responders, those working at the Emergency Operations Center, and the scores of people who made sure our shelters were up and running and that people who needed them could get there. They’ve been excellent. And I also want to thank Austinites for heeding our warnings and being prepared," Watson stated. He added, "I have pledged to the people of Austin that when dangerous weather occurs, we will be here for them and, most importantly, we will stay in touch with vital information and do our best to maintain and restore vital services."
Austin Energy reported minimal impact with no major power outages during this week's winter event. Austin Water addressed a few water main breaks affecting a small number of customers briefly. The Transportation and Public Works Department treated 700 lane miles of roads along with bridges and elevated structures.
Austin-Travis County EMS responded to 35 cold-related illness incidents from January 19 through January 22, including two fatalities.
Cold Weather Shelters have been operational since Saturday night, serving between approximately 230 to 550 individuals each night across six locations in the city. These shelters will remain open as long as temperatures are forecasted to drop below 35 degrees.
Austin Public Library branches have resumed normal operations and serve as warming centers during business hours. Most Parks and Recreation facilities are also operating normally as warming centers.
After a temporary suspension due to weather conditions on Tuesday, Austin Resource Recovery resumed trash collection services on Wednesday with possible delays expected throughout the week.
Residents are advised to take precautions against hypothermia and frostbite by dressing warmly and minimizing outdoor exposure. Safety tips can be found at ReadyCentralTexas.org.
Updates during emergencies are available on @AustinHSEM social media accounts or via emergency alerts by registering at WarnCentralTexas.org.
Alerts Sign-up