As temperatures drop in the Capital City, Austinites should brush up on the City’s winter weather preparedness guide. Get cozy as we break it down + provide you with easy-to-access information.

Before

Winter weather can cause power + water outages, and make traveling around the Austin area difficult. Before a storm arrives, here are a few tips on how to prepare:

Sign up for Warn Central Texas and Ready Central Texas emergency alerts
Follow Austin Emergency Management on Facebook and X
Create a family communications plan with the City's neighborhood preparedness guide
Build an emergency kit
Stock up on rock salt and snow removal equipment
Bring animals inside
Wrap pipes running outside or under your house in pipe insulation or rags
Have extra blankets for warmth
Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel and seasoned wood (for those with a fireplace)

You can listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local television newscasts to get the latest information and instructions by local emergency management officials.

During

Last week's ice storm weighted down tree branches, causing breakages that topped power lines. | Photo by ATXtoday

While extreme cold is passing through, stay inside in a heated room. If you need a place to stay warm, find a cold weather shelter. You'll also want to:

Dress in layers and use blankets to stay warm
Stay dry to avoid loss of body heat
Walk carefully on snowy + icy walkways
Cover or bring in plants inside to avoid frost damage

Pro tip: the City of Austin advises residents not to heat dwellings with a generator, camp-stove, charcoal grill, or gasoline + propane heaters indoors. These items can cause electric shock, and/or carbon monoxide poisoning.

After

As the weather passes, there might be icy road conditions. Only drive if necessary and don’t forget to check for road closures. If you are heading outside, make sure to dress in warm clothing and stay dry to prevent prolonged exposure to cold and wind.

In the event your home is damaged, no longer safe, or has lost power, public shelters and warming centers are available. You can find them by calling 311 or text SHELTER + your ZIP code (Ex: SHELTER 78230) to 43362 (FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area.

For more information about how to navigate before, during, and after a winter storm, check out these resources: