Central Texas Schools Close Amidst Unusual Winter Storm

News Summary

This week, Central Texas, particularly Austin, faced an unexpected winter storm causing the closure of most schools for two days due to icy conditions. With below-freezing temperatures persisting and a mix of snow and sleet accumulating, safety became the top priority. While temperatures are expected to rise slightly, residents are advised to remain cautious of hazardous road conditions and to utilize warming centers as needed.

Central Texas Schools Close Amidst Unusual Winter Storm

This week, the folks in Austin and across Central Texas found themselves facing an unexpected winter storm that led to the closure of most schools. Schools shut their doors on Monday and Tuesday not only in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day but also to prioritize safety due to the icy conditions brought on by flurries of snow and sleet.

Bitter Cold Ahead

With below-freezing temperatures predicted to stick around, various school districts have quickly announced delays for Wednesday. The good news is that temperatures are expected to rise above freezing on Tuesday, which might help in clearing out some roads. However, anyone venturing out should be cautious, as lingering precipitation could refreeze, creating those sneaky and dangerous patches of black ice overnight.

Snowfall Accumulation

In the heart of Austin, the National Weather Service reported snow and sleet accumulating anywhere from half an inch to 2 inches. That’s a decent amount for a city that usually sizzles in the heat! A cold weather advisory is in effect until Wednesday noon, with precipitation expected to clear by 8 a.m. Tuesday along the bustling Interstate 35 corridor.

City Operations and Public Transport

As the storm begins to fade, the city of Austin is gearing up to return to normal operations by Wednesday. Still, residents are urged to take care, as temperatures are projected to drop below freezing again overnight. For commuters, Capital Metro, Austin’s public transportation operator, will be resuming normal operations after temporarily halting services late Monday. This includes buses, rail services, and bikeshare options.

Special Alerts on the Road

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Austin Police Department has been busy, responding to approximately 60 vehicle crashes linked to the winter weather. Drivers are being warned to remain vigilant, as icy road conditions could linger throughout the area.

Flight Disruptions

Travelers at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport experienced the fallout of the weather as well, with 69 flight cancellations—that’s around 16% of flights—along with 71 delays, accounting for about 12%. Meanwhile, airports in Houston have reported a staggering number of cancellations, totaling over 1,200 at both Bush Intercontinental and Hobby International airports combined.

Emergency Responses

In light of the extreme weather, Austin-Travis County EMS has been working diligently, responding to over a dozen calls related to cold exposure since Monday. Sadly, two incidents have been fatal and are presumed to be due to hypothermia.

Essential Services and Warming Centers

City officials have indicated that while several operations have been temporarily suspended, essential services remain active. For those in need of warmth, warming centers have been established at select public library branches and will be operating from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday. This is a friendly reminder for residents to take advantage of these resources if they are feeling the chill.

Final Words of Caution

As Austin braces for the next few days amidst this unprecedented winter weather, the community is reminded to take precautions and stay safe. Whether it’s staying off icy roads, checking flight statuses, or utilizing warming centers, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring everyone’s well-being during this chilly spell.

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Additional Resources

• Austin American-Statesman
• Wikipedia: Winter Storm
• KVUE
• Google Search: Warming centers in Austin
• CBS Austin
• Google Scholar: Snow accumulation effects
• FOX 7 Austin
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas winter storm
• Community Impact
• Google News: Texas school closures