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Community Corner

🌱 Storm Warning Extended + School Closures + City Services Suspended

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Austin.

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Jessica Collins, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Good morning, everyone! I hope you all are in a position to stay off the roads and remain safe at home. I'm back with your new edition of the Austin Daily. Let's get this Wednesday started off right, with a quick review of the latest news and community updates.

Settle in while we cover:

  • What to expect from the weather forecast today and tomorrow.
  • Curious about the state of Texas' power grid this week? We've got the scoop.
  • The latest updates on school closures, available city services and Capital Metro availability.

But first, today's weather:

Ice in the morning; very cold. High: 32 Low: 30.

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Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) The National Weather Service extended its winter storm warning for the Austin area through Thursday morning. The National Weather Service is anticipating freezing rain across Central Texas through Wednesday night, with the highest ice accumulations in the Hill Country and along and west of I-35. KUT has more on the forecast here.

2) Capital Metro suspended all non-emergency services today, due to dangerous weather conditions. Community Impact reports that the transit system will help with emergency needs as requested and support transportation to cold weather shelters.

3) Texas Public Utility Commission Chair Peter Lake says Texas has enough electricity to meet demand this week. Weather officials told KUT that this week's storm is bringing far less icy precipitation, will be over sooner, and has not enveloped nearly as much of the state or with temperatures as low as during the 2021 freeze. Lake said: "We have plenty of resources to make sure that the grid is stable and powered throughout this weather. The reforms that were put in place [after the 2021 storm] are working." KUT has more on the state of the power grid here.

4) The City of Austin suspended all "non-essential operations" through today. Head over to KVUE to see the full list of city services that are temporarily suspended.

Today in Austin:

  • "In Conversation with Angela Davis" at The Paramount Theatre. (7 p.m.)
  • Libby & The Loveless at Sam's Town Point. (8 p.m.)
  • Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at The Highball at Alamo Drafthouse. (8 p.m.)
  • Throne Room: Stand–Up Comedy at Kingdom Austin. (8 p.m.)

Neighbors: please double-check that the above events have not been canceled due to inclement weather before attending and please travel with caution.

Community Chatter:

  • 🚘 Stay safe if you have to get on the roads: "The Austin Fire Department has responded to over 90 accidents since midnight as drivers try to navigate icy roads." (CBS Austin via Facebook)
  • ⚠️ Austin ISD Closures: "All @AustinISD schools and offices are closed tomorrow, Feb. 1, and all classes are canceled. We will continue to monitor weather conditions and provide updates for Thursday. ** Todas las escuelas y oficinas del @AustinISD estarán cerrad..." (Austin ISD via Facebook)
  • ⛔️ The University of Texas at Austin Closures: "UT Austin facilities in Austin will remain closed and classes are canceled February 1, 2023. Essential personnel only will report to campus. Where possible, employees will work remotely. Shuttle buses will not run. The university will continue to monitor the situation and update, as necessary. Check emergency.utexas.edu for more info." (The University of Texas at Austin via Facebook)
  • 📍 Austin Community College District Closures: "The college will remain closed Wednesday, February 1, out of an abundance of caution. Essential safety and security services continue to operate on a normal schedule. All other in-person and remote classes, work, and college activities are canceled. Updates will be shared here and on ACC's homepage." (Austin Community College via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Jessica Collins

About me: Jessica is happy to call Austin her home for the past 10+ years. She loves the outdoors, arts & cinema, dining, and all of the natural beauty that Central Texas has to offer.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Austin Daily? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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