On Jan. 15, the district will already be closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
The gist
Austin-area residents can expect the coldest temperatures of the winter season between Jan. 14-18, with temperatures below freezing, meteorologists from the National Weather Service told Community Impact.
Cold and icy conditions may cause delays or cancellations for Austin ISD, especially if electricity or utilities are affected.
AISD officials will send communication of delays or closures via email or phone and will post announcements on the district’s website and social media.
Also of note
The district was closed in 2023 from Jan. 31-Feb. 3 due to Winter Storm Mara. The storm brought below-freezing temperatures and precipitation that caused widespread damages and power outages in Austin. AISD officials estimated there was $845,446 worth of damages related to the winter weather.
City of Austin officials don't anticipate the weather to bring as significant of impacts as Winter Storm Mara, as previously reported by Community Impact.
What you need to know
Warming centers and public facilities will be open throughout the week, and free public transportation on Capital Metro buses will be offered for those seeking relief from the cold weather. Austin officials also urged residents to sign up for local emergency alerts through the Warn Central Texas website or by checking the city's website, as previously reported by Community Impact.
To prepare for wintery conditions, the National Weather Service suggests ensuring your home has:
- Nonperishable foods, such as granola bars as well as canned foods, bread and bottled water
- Disposable dishware, such as paper plates and plastic utensils
- Medicine
- A portable radio
- Flashlights
- Matches
- Warm clothing
- Blankets
- First aid kit
- Fully charged cell phone
TWU recommends the following tips in case of a freeze:
- Open cabinets.
- Keep thermostats at a consistent temperature during day and night, and leave the heat on if going away.
- Insulate pipes and faucets in unheated areas.
- Seal off openings in doors and air vents.
- Drain swimming pool equipment, shut down sprinkler systems, turn off outside faucets and remove connected hoses.
- Cover outdoor spigots with faucet covers or freeze caps.
- Instead of dripping faucets for long periods of time, shut off water and run all faucets to drain the water out from the pipes before going to bed, and then turn the water back on in the morning for day use.
- Thaw out a frozen pipe that has not burst with a heating pad, hair dryer or towel soaked with hot water. Heat should be applied by slowly moving the source toward the coldest spot on the pipes.
