Austin Under Ice Storm Warning: Travel Not Recommended as Public Transit is Suspended

Hazardous Road Conditions: Travel Strongly Discouraged

Austin and the surrounding Travis County area are currently under a severe Ice Storm Warning, effective until noon today, Sunday, January 25, 2026. The National Weather Service has also issued an Extreme Cold Warning that will remain in place through Monday morning. Residents are advised that travel is near impossible and strongly discouraged as ice accumulation of up to half an inch is possible across Central Texas. Temperatures are expected to remain well below freezing, hovering in the mid-20s, which ensures that any moisture on the ground will continue to create slick and dangerous surfaces.

While Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) crews have completed pre-treatment on 100% of critical roadways and structures, the anticipated freezing rain and sleet are expected to overwhelm these measures. Earlier collisions, including a major multi-lane closure on Highway 183 South at Cameron Road, have been cleared, but authorities warn that new accidents are likely as icing worsens on bridges and overpasses. If you must be on the roads, exercise extreme caution and be prepared for sudden loss of traction.

CapMetro Suspends All Services for Sunday

Due to the deteriorating weather and the safety risks posed to both staff and passengers, CapMetro has officially suspended all regular services for Sunday, January 25. This suspension includes the following transit options:

• All MetroBus and MetroRail lines
• CapMetro Pickup and CapMetro Access services
• MetroBike and Bikeshare operations

Transit officials are monitoring conditions hourly and will provide updates regarding the resumption of service for the Monday morning commute by mid-morning today. For those requiring emergency transportation to cold weather shelters, specialized shuttles are being coordinated through the city's emergency response network rather than through standard routes.

Emergency Operations and Public Safety

The Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been fully activated to manage the regional response to this arctic blast. Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown have both signed local disaster declarations to expedite the deployment of resources. Austin Energy is currently reporting isolated power outages, particularly in North Austin, as ice accumulation begins to weigh down tree limbs and power lines.

For those in need of a safe, warm environment, cold weather shelters have transitioned to 24-hour operations. Registration is available today at One Texas Center, located at 505 Barton Springs Road, between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors, check on neighbors, and keep pets inside until the thaw begins later this week.