Austin Activates Emergency Operations Center Amid Winter Storm Warning

The City of Austin has taken proactive measures in response to a Winter Storm Warning issued for Central Texas, activating its Emergency Operations Center to ensure community safety. Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown held a joint press conference, outlining the city's preparedness strategies, which include the operation of Cold Weather Shelters and Warming Centers. The shelters will remain open 24 hours until January 22, providing refuge for those affected by the severe weather. Residents are encouraged to prioritize safety by staying indoors and dressing in layers if they must go outside. Austin Energy is actively monitoring the power grid, ready to respond to outages, while Transportation and Public Works are working to pretreat roadways to prevent ice formation.

Public safety updates include the response to cold-related illness incidents and a structure fire possibly linked to the weather. The city urges residents to report any traffic signal issues and to use the 311 service for assistance. These measures aim to ensure that all community members are informed and safe during the winter storm.