Austin, how about this winter weather? We answer your questions ahead of the Texas freeze
Frigid temperatures, reaching as low as the teens, are expected to take over Central Texas beginning Thursday. Here's a look at what to expect in the coming days along with the Statesman's continuing coverage of the impending Arctic blast.
This list will be continually updated as we get more answers to questions about the Austin freeze.
What is the Austin weather forecast?
An Arctic front bringing gusty winds and a steep drop in temperatures will arrive in Central Texas on Thursday evening into Friday morning, according to the National Weather Service. Lows on Friday will reach the low teens as temperatures are expected to remain below freezing both Saturday and Sunday with lows in the 20s.
What is a hard freeze?
The National Weather Service describes a hard freeze as an extended period when temperatures stay at 28 degrees or below. Those conditions are forecast to be met on both Saturday and Sunday mornings, with temperatures predicted in the teens and 20s before afternoon highs reach the 40s, and 50s later in the weekend. On Monday, the weather service predicts minimal winter weather impacts.
Austin prepares for freeze: Here's why it won't be like that bad one in February 2021
Will Austin have a winter storm warning? What about a wind chill warning?
Frigid artic air will begin arriving Thursday, creating a harsh wind chill ranging from -5 to 15 degrees on account of winds blowing at 20-30 mph with gusts up to 40. With temperatures expected between 12-22 degrees, both a wind chill and hard freeze warning will be in place Thursday. Additional advisories and warnings will likely be necessary through the weekend, the weather service said.
How to prepare for a freeze
Nonperishable food, water, medical supplies, flashlights and batteries are a few priority items to have around the house in preparation for severe winter weather. Blankets, warm clothes, firewood and fire starters will also be helpful. Another consideration in winter weather is transportation. Having a full tank of gas, jumper cables and extra supplies for the road in your car can lend peace of mind when weather is a factor while traveling.
Additionally, the National Weather Service recommends people practice the four Ps when winter weather looks to strike:
Pay attention to people, especially the young and elderly.
Bring pets inside, and for those that need to stay outside be sure to provide blankets in an enclosed space to avoid the wind.
Cover plants that are outside and water before the freeze to add insulation to the soil. Bring plants inside that can be moved.
Cover pipes, and drip faucets, especially those facing an exterior wall.
Austin freeze, future winter weather:How to prepare
Should I drip all faucets or just one in the house?
Guidance from the American Red Cross and the National Weather Service advises residents to drip faucets that are near exterior walls and that are sourced from exposed pipes.
To help reduce the risk of a freeze, open cabinet doors and try to limit any drafts in areas with water supply. Identify water sources in unheated areas and use heat tape, pipe sleeves or newspaper to add a layer of insulation. Another piece of advice is to know where your water shut off valve is.
Utility provider Austin Water also recommends opening cabinets under indoor sinks and turning off and disconnecting outside connections. However, dripping faucets is recommended further down the list, with a reminder for residents to leave water dripping, not at a trickle.
For those that will be out of town during the freeze, the advice for residents is to turn off your water and set the temperature to 65 degrees or above.
Another Texas freeze and power outage in 2022? Unlikely.
It is unlikely the state will see conditions as severe as the 2021 freeze that left hundreds of Texans dead and millions without power.
Ahead of the winter storm, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday held a news conference on the state's cold weather preparedness.
Although the weather system moving through on Thursday will bring bitter cold and biting winds, no precipitation is expected, which should lessen the potential of a repeat of last year's infrastructure break down.
"We do not expect very much precipitation, whether it be snow or ice or anything like that that will complicate roadways or living conditions," Abbott said. "There could be some in the northern part of the state for a day or two at most, but for the most part we should have sunshine through most of this cold weather episode."
Should I be worried about the Texas power grid?
During the governor's Wednesday conference, officials with the Public Utility Commission of Texas and Electric Reliability Council of Texas said the electric grid is "ready and reliable" leading up to the winter weather test.
Officials said demand for power is expected to peak Friday morning at nearly 70,000 megawatts. But generation capacity of about 85,000 megawatts is expected to be available. And again, no anticipated precipitation will also mean less burden on electric infrastructure.
"I do want to remind folks that we will have high winds that could bring down branches," PUC Chair Peter Lake said. "Even if there are some localized power outages, that does not mean ERCOT or the state does not have sufficient generation."
Is the Texas power grid ready? Five takeaways from Gov. Abbott's winter freeze briefing
How is Austin helping people experiencing homelessness?
The city of Austin announced Wednesday afternoon that it will open multiple shelters beginning Thursday night, and will keep them active every night through Sunday.
Anyone wanting a warm place to sleep in may register for the shelters between 6-8 p.m. each night at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road. Free transportation will be offered to anyone needing a ride from the center to a shelter via Capital Metro busses.
Arctic cold front races through south.Austin to open cold weather shelters for homeless
In the past, the city has typically kept cold weather shelters in Austin closed until the day those locations will be used. Austin Public Health makes its shelter activation decisions based on if the weather forecast calls for overnight temperatures of 32 degrees or less, 35 degrees with rain, or 35 degrees with a wind chill of 32 degrees or colder.
On Tuesday, public officials and community advocates decried that an announcement had not already been made ahead of Thursday's forecast winter weather.
"The issue here is WHY wait until day of to activate the shelters? We already know we are expecting freezing temperatures starting Thursday," City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes tweeted on Tuesday. "We need to give our community time to make arrangements."
Are any Austin warming centers open during the day?
The city of Austin is opening four warming centers, open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Friday and Saturday. They are open for all community members and intended for temporary relief from the cold. Pets are not allowed inside.
The warming centers are located at:
Little Walnut Creek Branch Library, 835 W. Rundberg Lane
Terrazas Branch Library, 1105 E Cesar Chavez St.
Turner Roberts Recreation Center, 7201 Colony Loop Drive
George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center, 5801 Ainez Drive
Are there ways to volunteer or donate to help Austin residents through the arctic freeze?
Many community organizations are mobilizing to help Austin's most vulnerable residents. The city of Austin recommended these organizations for people wanting to donate or volunteer.
Austin Area Urban League is accepting donations such as socks and clothing for people experiencing homelessness. Supplies can be dropped at Southbridge Shelter at 2711 S. Interstate 35 in Austin. Contact Austin Area Urban League at aaul.org for more information.
The Central Texas Food bank is accepting monetary and food donations. Most requested food items are peanut butter, canned chicken or tuna, canned low sodium vegetables, canned fruit in its own juice, dry pinto beans, brown rice, non-fat dry milk and 100% whole grain cereal. Donations can be dropped off at 6500 Metropolis Drive or see centraltexasfoodbank.org for more information or to make a monetary donation.
Additionally, the city lists a number of volunteer opportunities through the Austin Disaster Relief Network along with further information on giving donations, which can be found on the Austin city website under winter weather response.
Will Austin Bergstrom flights be canceled or delayed?
Currently, Austin Bergstrom International Airport is not expecting significant impacts due to the Arctic system, officials said. No precipitation is expected to affect travel through the weekend. However, the prevailing advice is to check flight statuses, as inclement weather in other areas could impact travel out of Austin; arrive to the airport early and bundle up.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin freeze is on its way. Here's what we know about Arctic blast
