Icy Grip Tightens: Austin Braces for Major Winter Storm Impacts Today

Arctic Front Arrives with Freezing Rain and Plummeting Temperatures

Residents across the Austin metro area are waking up to a significant shift in weather as a powerful arctic front moves through Central Texas this Saturday, January 24, 2026. Local officials and meteorologists have issued urgent warnings as the region prepares for a combination of freezing rain, sleet, and dangerously low temperatures that could make travel nearly impossible by late afternoon.

Morning and Midday: The Transition to Ice

The day began with a 100% chance of liquid rain following the front’s arrival late Friday night. However, as the morning progresses, temperatures are expected to hover near the 37-degree mark before beginning a steady descent. By midday, the National Weather Service anticipates a critical transition period where rain may begin to freeze on contact, particularly on elevated surfaces, bridges, and overpasses. While the morning may appear merely wet and cold, the real hazard develops as the mercury drops toward the freezing point early this afternoon.

Evening Forecast: 21 Degrees and Significant Icing

The situation is expected to deteriorate rapidly during the evening and overnight hours. Temperatures are forecasted to plunge to a low of 21 degrees, with a 90% chance of precipitation continuing through the night. This window poses the greatest risk for ice accumulation, as freezing rain turns roads into skating rinks and weighs down power lines. Wind gusts between 10 and 25 mph will further exacerbate the chill, with wind values potentially dipping into the lower teens by late evening.

Alerts and Safety Recommendations

A Winter Storm Warning is currently in effect for Austin and Travis County through noon on Sunday. Experts are forecasting ice accumulations between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch within the city, with higher totals possible in the Hill Country. To stay safe, the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center recommends the following:

• Avoid all non-essential travel. Icing on bridges and overpasses makes road conditions extremely dangerous.
• Prepare for potential power outages. The weight of the ice on tree limbs can cause them to snap and damage nearby electrical lines.
• Keep pets indoors and check on neighbors who may be vulnerable to the extreme cold.
• Ensure pipes are protected and outdoor faucets are covered to prevent freezing and bursting.

As the icy grip of this 2026 winter storm tightens, the message from local leaders is clear: hunker down and stay off the roads until conditions improve on Tuesday.