Austin officials deactivated emergency operations Jan. 22. This follows several days of cold weather during which at least two people died, while warming centers and overnight shelter remain available for those in need.

What happened

The city's response to the recent cold front began Jan. 18 with the opening of overnight shelters, which ended up serving hundreds of people nightly. The Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center was also activated Jan. 20 and wound down its operations by midday Jan. 22.

Amid freezing temperatures and some snowfall, local officials urged residents to prepare themselves and their homes for the cold snap while local governments and school districts saw closures and modified operations this week. Austinites were also advised to stay home and avoid driving in the hazardous wintry conditions Jan. 21, and some travelers through Austin-Bergstrom International Airport experienced delays or cancelations.

After the Emergency Operations Center deactivated Jan. 22, Mayor Kirk Watson thanked first responders and credited preparations by the city and county for maintaining resident services and offering shelter through several days of cold weather.


"I have pledged to the people of Austin that when dangerous weather occurs, we will be here for them and, most importantly, we will stay in touch with vital information and do our best to maintain and restore vital services," he said in a statement. "We learn from every emergency, and we still have improvements to make, but I believe the city’s response to this winter weather event shows we’re headed in the right direction."

The specifics

With below-freezing temperatures still anticipated, the city advised residents to remain cautious, continue dressing in layers and staying indoors when possible. More winter weather preparedness tips are available online, and residents can sign up for regional emergency alerts via Warn Central Texas.

During daily business hours, city libraries and other facilities continue to serve as warming centers. Overnight cold weather shelter will be available at least through Jan. 23, with registration at the One Texas Center at 505 Barton Springs Road from 6-8 p.m. More information is available online or by calling 512-972-5055.


Some parks facilities like pools and golf courses remained closed as of Jan. 22. City trash services, suspended during the cold weather, resumed Jan. 22 starting with missed pickups from the past two collection days. Customers with pickups remaining this week should leave garbage and recycling bins out by 5:30 a.m. on their scheduled collections days.

By the numbers
  • About 1,700 people took shelter in the city's overnight cold weather facilities Jan. 18-21, peaking with 547 people served on Jan. 20. The shelters—which open when temperature forecasts drop below 35 degrees and are largely used by people experiencing homelessness—served nearly 1,900 people over six days of cold weather earlier this month.
  • Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services handled almost three dozen responses to cold-related illness from Jan. 19-22. The 35 reported incidents included two fatalities; official causes and circumstances of death hadn't been determined as of press time.
  • The Austin Police Department and Travis County Sheriff's Office responded to more than 70 vehicle crashes during this week's Emergency Operations Center activation, and first responders submitted 60 reports of road closures or poor roadway conditions—although not all incidents may have been tied to cold weather.
  • About 700 lane miles of roadway, including 523 major street and 165 bridges and other elevated structures, were treated by the Transportation and Public Works Department.
  • The city's 311 service received 18 weather-related calls from Jan. 20-22.