Severe Storms and Marathon Detours to Impact Austin Commute This Valentine’s Day

Weather Impact Alert: Rainy Roads for Valentine’s Commuters

Austin drivers should prepare for a damp and potentially hazardous commute this Saturday, February 14, 2026. A Weather Impact Alert has been issued as a strong storm system moves through Central Texas, bringing a high likelihood of showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. Forecasters anticipate some neighborhoods could receive up to an inch of rain, which often leads to localized ponding on frontage roads and low-lying areas. With heavy traffic expected for Valentine’s Day celebrations, the combination of wet pavement and high vehicle volume will likely lead to significant travel delays across the metro area.

Austin Marathon Weekend Detours

In addition to the weather, the city is buzzing with preparations for the 2026 Austin Marathon. While the main race takes place tomorrow, official detours and staging activities are already in effect as of Friday, February 13, and will continue through Sunday, February 15. Commuters in the downtown core should expect restricted access and lane shifts, particularly around the finish line areas near the Texas State Capitol and Congress Avenue. The Austin Center for Events warns that these preparations, coupled with the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market at Republic Square, will make cross-town travel through the central business district much slower than a typical Saturday.

I-35 Construction and Permanent Exit Changes

Travelers on Interstate 35 need to remain alert to recent permanent infrastructure changes. While the planned long-term closure of the northbound frontage road near Riverside Drive has been postponed until Monday, February 16, several key access points are already gone. The northbound Riverside Drive exit (Exit 233) and the Holly Street entrance and exit (Exit 234A) were permanently shuttered earlier this month to allow for the reconstruction of the Lady Bird Lake bridge. Drivers are encouraged to use the newly established bypass lane at Riverside Drive or the temporary U-turn at Woodland Avenue to navigate these changes.

CapMetro Transit Alerts

Capital Metro is operating with several service modifications today due to the combination of marathon logistics and regular Saturday events. Several bus routes are currently on detour:

• Downtown Farmer's Market: Routes operating near Republic Square are diverted through the early afternoon.
• Marathon Preparations: Routes passing through the downtown core and near the University of Texas campus may experience intermittent delays and rerouting through Sunday evening.
• Construction Detours: Ongoing work at the intersection of Slaughter Lane and the I-35 southbound frontage road, as well as projects in the Domain and Esperanza areas, continue to affect local route timing.

Safety Reminders

With visibility potentially dropping during heavy downpours, the Austin Transportation and Public Works Department reminds all road users to turn on headlights and increase following distances. If you are heading out for a Valentine’s dinner in the Rainey Street or South Congress districts, consider using public transit or ride-sharing services early to avoid the peak congestion expected between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.