City of Austin expands 24-hour cold weather shelters and warming centers as winter storm disrupts services
Expanded shelter operations during multi-day freeze
The City of Austin has expanded cold weather shelter operations during a period of hazardous winter weather, moving to 24-hour sheltering that allows guests to remain indoors throughout the day rather than exiting each morning. The 24-hour model is tied to forecast conditions, including a daytime high that does not exceed 35 degrees.
For the current winter weather event, 24-hour Cold Weather Shelters have been activated from Friday night, Jan. 23, 2026, through Monday night, Jan. 26, 2026. City emergency updates also indicate capacity has been expanded in partnership with the Austin Area Urban League, with shelter operations spanning multiple facilities and the ability to grow further if needed.
How to access a shelter: registration, transportation, and eligibility
Cold Weather Shelters are accessed through a centralized registration process at One Texas Center (505 Barton Springs Road). During this activation period, the city set different registration windows by day, including extended registration hours on the weekend. Individuals seeking the most current instructions are directed to use the city’s Cold Weather Shelter Hotline at 512-972-5055.
Transportation from One Texas Center to shelter sites is provided through coordinated transit support. Shelter locations are not publicly listed, a longstanding operational practice intended to manage capacity and protect privacy.
Embarkation point: One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road
Hotline: 512-972-5055
Eligibility: shelters are available to anyone needing a warm place, though the service primarily supports people experiencing homelessness
Warming centers and modified city operations
As conditions affected travel and public operations, the city shifted to modified operations on Monday, Jan. 26. Most city facilities were closed to the public, while specific sites remained open as warming centers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The designated daytime warming locations included three Austin Public Library branches—Central Library (710 W. Cesar Chavez St.), Terrazas Branch (1105 E. Cesar Chavez St.), and Little Walnut Creek Branch (835 W. Rundberg Ln.)—as well as One Texas Center, which remained open during the day ahead of evening shelter embarkation.
During 24-hour shelter activations, guests may remain indoors during the day and are not required to leave in the morning.
Transit disruptions and travel impacts
Ice accumulation and road conditions also disrupted transit service. CapMetro suspended operations as of 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, while continuing to support transportation tied to cold weather shelter operations. The transit agency announced a delayed restart for Monday, Jan. 26, with limited service beginning at noon.
Officials repeatedly emphasized that even when roadways are treated and passable, conditions may remain unsafe and travel should be limited during periods of ice and freezing temperatures.