Austin leaders urge residents to stay off roads as winter storm hits

As Austinites brace for Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to sweep across much of the state on Saturday, Mayor Kirk Watson and other local leaders shared details about city and county department preparations at a news conference Friday morning. Storms are traditionally named by The Weather Channel, unlike hurricanes, which are named by the National Hurricane Center.

"Extreme weather is always possible here in Central Texas," Watson said at the news conference. "Winter is here, and it certainly will be here tomorrow."

Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown also announced they’re issuing a preemptive disaster declaration ahead of the freeze, which is expected to create hazardous road conditions and could increase the risk of pipe bursts and power outages. They also reminded residents to protect the four Ps: people, pets, plants and pipes.

"I’m going to add a fifth P," Watson said at the news conference. "Part of the reason we’re doing this now is so people will plan [the fifth 'P'] and be prepared for what this weekend will hold."

Echoing Gov. Greg Abbott’s message Thursday, officials said the safest thing Austinites can do is stay off the roads — and ahead of time, prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.

"Make sure that you are focusing on your household, your neighbors — checking in on your neighbors, especially anyone who is medically vulnerable," said Brown. "If you can reduce problems at your house, that allows first responders to respond to other folks that are in need."

Officials recommend stocking up with one gallon of water per person per day, as well as ensuring you have access to nonperishable food items, blankets, warm clothes, flashlights and extra batteries. People who rely on prescription medications should also ensure they have enough to get through the weekend, and all residents should ensure they have a way to receive emergency alerts. If you or a loved one rely on medical equipment that requires electricity, make sure you have a backup plan in the event of a power outage.

"Please have a plan, and please pay attention to the weather," said Watson. "It will not be perfect; it cannot be perfect. We will do our best, but we need the help of the citizens and the residents of this community to be in a position where you’re prepared as well."

CapMetro to shut down at 4 p.m. Saturday

Local agencies are working to pre-treat city and county roads using the same solution that the Texas Department of Transportation is deploying. The briny salt mixture sticks to the roadway and speeds up the melting process to combat icy conditions.

Even so, residents should stay home unless travel is absolutely necessary, Watson said.

CapMetro, the city’s public transit system, announced it would be shutting down operations starting Saturday at 4 p.m. The status of operations on Sunday and Monday will be determined on a day-by-day basis, depending on weather forecasts and road conditions.

"We are asking all of our customers to plan to take their last trips by 4 p.m.," said CapMetro president Dottie Watkins. "You should be on board the vehicle by 4 p.m. to allow us to get all of the vehicles off the street before dark."

Watkins said the transit system’s role in emergency operations will continue, and buses will transport people from the One Texas Center downtown to cold weather shelters for as long as those services are needed.

Sam Haynes, airport deputy chief for Austin Aviation and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, said staff have started staying overnight so they can safely arrive for their shifts during hazardous weather conditions.

Haynes said ABIA expects to stay open throughout the duration of the freeze. Travelers should continue to check with their air carrier directly for the most up-to-date information about flight delays and cancellations.

How to sign up for emergency alerts

Sign up to receive emergency notifications at WarnCentralTexas.org.

You can also download the city’s free ReadyCentralTX app, which provides updates, news and emergency planning checklists for your convenience.