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Austin weather: City prepares for winter weather

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Austin weather: City prepares for winter weather


The cold weather is here, and the precipitation is on the way. The Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center has been activated.

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The artic air is plunging towards Texas.

“We’re expecting a hard freeze at least through Wednesday, Jan. 22, and there’s precipitation that is expected later tonight,” Mayor Watson said.

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Is Austin prepared for winter weather?

What they’re saying:

“We are prepared,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said.

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City and state officials have been busy.

“What our teams have been doing over the course of the last week is restocking, resupplying our resource staging areas, making sure all of our equipment was ready to go,” Texas Division of Emergency Management Seth Christensen said.

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“If you absolutely have to travel, please check official city communications regarding road conditions and any current incidents or road closures. Then, what we do is we suggest that you map out the route that you’re going to take, so that you can avoid areas where there might be black ice that could form like bridges and overpasses,” Mayor Watson said.

Remember the four P’s:

  1. People
  2. Pipes
  3. Plants
  4. Pets

“Please check on seniors and other people that cannot leave their houses, make sure that their heaters are working, make sure that they’re staying warm and that their medical needs, if any, are met,” Travis County Judge Andy Brown said.

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Why you should care:

The expected precipitation is what could make the roads very dangerous.

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“The best thing you can do is stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” Mayor Wayson said.

Austin’s Director of Transportation and Public Works said they’ll be treating about 25 percent of the roads in the city.

“The brine solution that will be pre-treating our high priority roadways and elevate structures is very effective at lowering the freezing point of the precipitation,” City of Austin Director of Transportation and Public Works Richard Mendoza said.

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“Don’t assume that because we’re doing what I think is and will be a good job of covering the area, that your specific route is one that got covered,” Mayor Watson said.

What is open and closed in Austin?

What we know:

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Schools, city and county officials are making it easier for people to stay home. Austin ISD has announced they are closed Tuesday, Jan. 21. The city and county offices are closed for those not providing essential services.

Three warming centers at public libraries are open; the Terrazas Branch, Little Walnut Creek Branch, and Ruiz Branch.

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Cold weather shelters are open until at least Wednesday, Jan. 22. The overnight shelter registration happens from 6 to 8 p.m. at One Texas Center on Barton Springs Road.

Capital Metro will not be running after 9 p.m. Monday.

“We want to be sure that we all have a plan and that we’re ready to hunker down as nightfall falls today on Monday night through probably early Wednesday morning,” Christensen said.

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If you haven’t already, sign up for emergency notifications at warncentraltexas.org. 

The Source: Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin’s Meredith Aldis

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Austin, TX

Austin opens cold weather shelters ahead of freezing temps

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Austin opens cold weather shelters ahead of freezing temps


As the Austin area prepares to plunge into freezing temperatures Sunday night, the city is initiating its Cold Weather Shelters protocol.

Those wanting to use the emergency shelters, which open when overnight temperatures reach 35 degrees or lower, must register between 6-8 p.m. at One Texas Center (OTC) on Barton Springs Road, according to a release from the city. Those interested and in need of transport can reach the OTC via bus lines 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105 and 801. Anyone who can’t pay bus fare but needs shelter will still be allowed to ride, a Facebook post from the city said.

Following registration, CapMetro shuttles will take guests from the OTC to a cold weather shelter. The addresses for these shelters are kept confidential due to “safety, privacy and capacity concerns,” according to the Austin American-Statesman.

The Statesman also reported that shelters provide meals and allow leashed, friendly pets.

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All parks and libraries are meanwhile serving as warming centers during regular operating hours, except for Austin Public Library’s Old Quarry Branch and Willie Mae Kirk Branch.



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Austin, TX

Building cleared after non-credible bomb threat made in Downtown Austin

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Building cleared after non-credible bomb threat made in Downtown Austin


A Downtown Austin building was cleared after a bomb threat was made Saturday night.

Police say that the call came in at 9:38 p.m., after which officers arrived to the scene and cleared a nearby building at 311 E 6th St.

ALSO: H-E-B delights Austin airport travelers with surprise gift vending machine pop-up

The threat was found to not be credible, and no one was injured.

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Police say no one is in custody and they will be clearing the scene shortly.



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Austin, TX

The richest small town in Texas tops our most popular Austin stories

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The richest small town in Texas tops our most popular Austin stories


Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson held a press conference Friday to discuss a new deal with Southwest Airlines and its expected impact on the city.

The deal, approved Thursday by the Austin City Council, awards Southwest $2,750 for each new Austin-based hire over the next five years. In exchange, the airline plans to add 2,000 high-paying jobs with an average salary of $180,000 and invest in local workforce initiatives, including the city’s new Austin Infrastructure Academy.

Officials say the deal will strengthen Southwest’s presence at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, where the carrier already handles more than 40 percent of all passenger traffic.

The partnership is expected to bring in nearly $20 million in local tax revenue, and the incentive program will last for five years and pay Southwest up to $5.5 million.

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Mayor Watson said the agreement will not only create new jobs in Austin but will improve the overall experience at AUS.

“We’re building lives and careers at the same time we’re building tarmacs and terminals,” Watson said. “Southwest is choosing Austin because our people, our workforce, and our future make us a smart investment. This deal creates thousands of good-paying jobs, improves the passenger experience, and ensures the benefits flow directly to Austin workers, families, and tourists. This agreement is proof that Austin means business and cares about the success of its people.”

Read the full story at KVUE.com.



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