AUSTIN, Texas — Two people died this week in Austin as the city faced freezing temperatures and snowy conditions.
According to the city’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, one person died Monday and another died on Tuesday as the winter weather continued.
Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) medics responded to a total of 35 cold-related illness incidents between midnight on Sunday, Jan. 19, and 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
Roadways were also impacted by the cold. The city said 523 streets and 165 bridges and lifted structures were treated by Austin’s Transportation and Public Works Department over 700 lane miles.
Homeowners also felt the effects of the cold, with roughly 30 leaks and at least six water outages seen on Austin Water’s map. Crews remained busy citywide, particularly on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, no large electricity outages were reported by Austin Energy. On a statewide level, the state’s power grid also held up. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ (ERCOT) Weather Watch ended at noon Wednesday.
Austinites in need of an escape from the freezing temperatures were able to stay at the city’s Cold Weather Shelters, which have remained open since Jan. 18, serving between approximately 230 to 550 people each night.
The shelters are set to stay open through Thursday and typically welcome visitors anytime temperatures dip to 35 degrees or lower. On Wednesday, most warming centers are back to their normal hours, including at Parks and Recreation areas and libraries citywide.
As temperatures rise again this week, city services – including garbage pickup – are also returning to their regular operations. Austin residents can leave their garbage outside by 5:30 a.m. this week for same-day services. The Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is also no longer active as of Wednesday.
During cold snaps, the city’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management warns residents against heating their homes or apartments with stoves or grills. If you lose power, some tips to stay warm include shutting your curtains, keeping everyone in one room and using blankets.
Here’s how you can receive warnings during Central Texas emergencies.