Cold Front to Plunge Austin Temperatures Below Freezing
Central Texas is preparing for an extreme cold front this weekend, with temperatures expected to drop below freezing. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm watch effective from Friday night through Sunday afternoon.
Temperature Drop and Forecast
The Austin area could experience a significant temperature drop of up to 30 degrees overnight. Forecasters predict that temperatures will reach freezing levels by midday on Saturday. This cold front is part of a larger system affecting much of the United States.
Expected Conditions
- Overnight freezing temperatures
- Wind chills could feel as low as 6 degrees
- Possible freezing rain and sleet
- Temperatures not expected to rise above freezing until Monday
Bob Ferguson, a meteorologist at the NWS Austin/San Antonio office, indicated that Central Texas could see temperatures fall into the teens. Unlike North Texas, the likelihood of significant snowfall is low, with forecasts leaning towards freezing rain.
Community Preparedness
Residents are advised to take preparations seriously, including:
- Dripping faucets to prevent pipe bursts
- Stocking up on water
- Protecting plants and bringing pets indoors
- Checking on neighbors
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has urged Texans to monitor local forecasts and conserve energy due to an expected increase in demand over the weekend. They do not foresee widespread outages like those from previous years.
Shelters and Assistance
To support those in need, the city will open cold weather shelters starting Friday night. These shelters will remain operational through the weekend, accommodating up to 750 people. Individuals seeking shelter are encouraged to go to One Texas Center at the intersection of First Street and Barton Springs Road.
Chris Anderson, a representative from Austin’s Homeless Strategies and Operations, emphasized the dire conditions for individuals without shelter. Free transit rides will also be provided to help individuals reach these shelters.
Education and Event Cancellations
As of now, no school districts have announced closures for Friday. However, Del Valle ISD has modified its schedule, rescheduling some games and canceling all activities on Saturday due to the anticipated cold weather.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for the cold front and remain updated on the latest weather developments. The city has additional resources available to help the community during this extreme weather event.
