The National Weather Service extended a winter storm warning in Central Texas until Thursday morning.
Previously, the warning, which began Monday, was scheduled only through Wednesday afternoon, but NWS is now anticipating freezing rain through Wednesday night.
Ice has accumulated on roadways, making driving dangerous. The Texas Department of Transportation is treating roads but asking people not to travel at this time.
Winter Storm Warning (Pink) and Winter Weather Advisory (Purple) are in effect through Thursday morning. Highest ice accumulations are expected across the Hill Country and along and west of I-35. This is a significant event and we urge to take the necessary precautions. #txwx pic.twitter.com/KH41qo7RN0
— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) January 31, 2023
Around noon Tuesday, the Austin Fire Department tweeted that it had responded to more than 90 crashes since midnight, including three involving its own vehicles.
One crash involved 10 cars and killed one person near Ben White Boulevard and South First Street just after 6 a.m., Austin-Travis County EMS said. In another crash, a Travis County sheriff’s deputy was pinned under an 18-wheeler on State Highway 130. Officials said the officer was transported to the hospital and in surgery just before 3:30 p.m.
AFD said the number of crash-related calls it received tripled between 4:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. It also noted there were two fires caused by space heaters.
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority is suspending public transit services tonight and Wednesday because of the dangerous road conditions. The agency says it will make its final bus, rail and Pickup trips Tuesday at 7 p.m., in the hopes of having all trips completed by 9 p.m.
Capital Metro says it’s making this decision because the weather could put staff and passengers in life-threatening situations. The agency will still help with emergency response efforts, like supplying buses to transport people to cold weather shelters and providing essential trips for MetroAccess customers.
School districts across Central Texas, including Austin ISD, Del Valle ISD, Hays CISD, Leander ISD, Manor ISD, Pflugerville ISD and Round Rock ISD, have announced closures for Wednesday. Visit your local school district’s website for the latest information.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is open, but conditions at other airports are causing issues locally. As of 4 p.m., about 199 flights through ABIA had been canceled in the last 24 hours, FlightAware data shows. Check your flight status with the airline before heading to the airport.
HEB’s Austin stores will close at 6 p.m. and reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday due to the winter weather, the company says. If you live outside of Austin, you can find your store’s hours here.
Travis County offices are closed Tuesday, and the Commissioners Court meeting has been pushed to Thursday. Austin facilities are open but may have a delayed start.
Austin-Travis County EMS is reminding people not to use stoves, ovens or portable grills to heat their homes, and to make sure generators have enough ventilation. ATCEMS responded to its first call for carbon monoxide exposure Tuesday morning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a person may start to feel symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning after 45 minutes of exposure. Some side effects include headaches, dizziness, nausea, chest pain and vomiting. After one to two hours, the person might collapse or become unconscious. If you suspect someone is showing signs of CO poisoning, the CDC recommends getting into fresh air immediately and calling 911.
Cold weather shelters will be available Tuesday night for anyone who needs a warm place to stay. To register, you’ll need to meet at One Texas Center (505 Barton Springs Road) between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Capital Metro will then take you to a shelter. You can also call 512-305-4233 for more information about shelters.
During the day, people can stay warm at the Terrazas Branch and Little Walnut Creek libraries until 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The other library locations are closed.
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This story was produced as part of the Austin Monitor’s reporting partnership with KUT.
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