As extended electricity outages are expected to last throughout the night of Feb. 16, several shelters have been made available for residents needing a warm place to sleep.

Temperatures are expected to drop to a possible low of 22 degrees Fahrenheit, with freezing rain expected to begin the evening of Feb. 16. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning that remains in effect through the morning of Feb. 18. According to the warning, significant icing is expected on roads with up to two-tenths of an inch of accumulation possible. Drivers should expect hazardous travel conditions.

Hundreds of thousands of Austin Energy customers remained without power as of noon Feb. 16. Cold-weather shelters across Travis County remain open with limited capacity for residents who are vulnerable or have medical conditions, according to a Feb. 16 news release from the city of Austin.

Shelters available to residents tonight are located at:
  • Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin
  • Mendez Middle School, 5106 Village Square Drive, Austin
  • Northeast Early College High School, 7104 Berkman Drive, Austin
  • Del Valle High School, 5201 Ross Road, Del Valle
The Palmer Events Center remains the city’s primary warming center, according to the news release. The city of Austin further asks residents to shelter in their homes if they can do so to preserve limited spaces for vulnerable residents.


Residents can report to the facilities to check in for the night of Feb. 16.

UPDATE: Feb. 16, 3:35 p.m.

Austin Justice Coalition is opening part of its operation as a temporary shelter for residents in need on Feb. 16.

According to a social media post from Austin Justice Coalition executive director Chas Moore, the shelter will focus on housing elderly residents and families throughout the night. Residents are asked to contact Austin Justice Coalition for more information on shelter space and volunteer opportunities.