Official Public Notice: Winter Storm Emergency and City Service Disruptions

Winter Weather Emergency Declarations

Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown have issued local disaster declarations in response to the severe winter weather currently impacting Central Texas. The National Weather Service has maintained a Winter Storm Warning and an Ice Storm Warning for the Austin area through 12:00 p.m. today, Sunday, January 25, 2026. An Extreme Cold Warning also remains in effect until noon Monday, with wind chill values expected to reach the single digits. These declarations enable the City and County to mobilize emergency resources and coordinate a regional response through the activated Emergency Operations Center.

Public Safety and Transportation Advisories

City officials and Austin-Travis County Emergency Management are urging all residents to stay off the roads. Traveling conditions are currently classified as near impossible due to widespread icing on bridges, overpasses, and surface streets. To ensure the safety of the community and transit operators, CapMetro has suspended all services for Sunday, January 25, including bus, rail, CapMetro Pickup, and Bikeshare. Service is expected to remain suspended for the duration of the day as crews evaluate road safety for Monday morning commutes. Austin Transportation and Public Works crews have treated critical infrastructure, but black ice remains a significant hazard.

Cold Weather Shelters and Warming Centers

The City of Austin has activated 24-hour cold weather shelters to provide a safe, warm environment for those in need. For individuals requiring shelter, registration and embarkation will take place at One Texas Center, located at 505 Barton Springs Road, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. today. Additionally, the following library branches are operating as daytime warming centers from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday:

• Central Library: 710 W. Cesar Chavez St.
• Terrazas Branch: 1105 E. Cesar Chavez St.
• Little Walnut Creek Branch: 835 W. Rundberg Ln.

Please note that standard library services, including book checkouts and computer access, are unavailable at these locations today as they are dedicated solely to emergency warming operations.

Operational Changes and Utility Reminders

Most municipal facilities, including parks and standard library branches, are closed today. Austin Animal Services is operating on a modified schedule from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for emergency intakes only. Residents are reminded to follow the "Four Ps" of winter safety: protect People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants. Austin Watershed Protection also advises residents not to discard tree limbs or storm debris in streets or near storm drains, as this can cause drainage blockages during the eventual thaw.

Emergency Contact Resources

• For medical or life-threatening emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
• To report non-emergency issues, such as fallen trees in the roadway, dial 3-1-1.
• To report power outages, text "OUT" to 287846 or call Austin Energy at 512-322-9100.