Austin experienced a severe winter storm that forced local school districts to cancel classes on Monday. Roads were coated with ice, making travel risky. Tragically, one person has died due to the extreme conditions, adding to the region’s difficulties.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport saw over 200 flight cancellations, with one runway shut down to clear ice. Crews worked hard to manage the wintry weather, but officials warned that hazardous driving conditions would continue as temperatures remained in the 20s.
Throughout the area, residents reported up to a quarter-inch of ice, with some regions receiving even more. Mayor Kirk Watson urged people to stay off the roads, emphasizing that it’s hard to predict when conditions will normalize. The National Weather Service issued an extreme cold warning, expecting wind chills to drop into the teens or single digits.
Schools across the region, including Austin ISD and the University of Texas, announced closures for Monday due to the weather. Other local institutions, such as Austin Community College and various private universities, followed suit.
CapMetro, the city’s public transit agency, suspended all services on Sunday but planned to offer limited service starting at noon on Monday. This included the Red Line trains and Access trips, though bikeshare services would remain suspended.
In terms of power, Austin Energy reported sporadic outages, affecting around 2,500 customers at one point. While the situation improved, officials warned that outages might increase as ice began to thaw and tree limbs fell under the weight.
To keep people warm, cold shelters remained open, and city officials encouraged anyone in need to seek help. More than 650 people utilized these shelters, with provisions in place for food and comfort. Donations from local businesses helped ensure adequate resources were available.
The city’s administration also addressed concerns regarding the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement at shelters, clarifying that no enforcement actions would occur at these warming centers.
As this extreme weather unfolds, community resilience and cooperation are evident, echoing sentiments seen in previous harsh winters. Keeping safety and support a priority will be crucial moving forward.
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