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Weather Delays Have Austin Asking: Why Are We So Bad at Winter?

Morning delays at Austin schools are receiving some ribbing online.

Austin ISD, the University of Texas, the City of Austin and dozens of other school districts and government agencies postponed start times until 10 a.m. this morning.

Some districts, like Round Rock ISD, also posted through explanations of their thinking in making the decision to issue late starts.

The agencies likely feared a repeat of the gridlock that choked Austin last week when many of the same agencies waited until morning rush hour to issue postponements and cancelations.

Still, the decision has some arguing, in the words of one Reddit user, that "Austin's not so good at winter."

That sentiment is easy to find on Twitter:

Of course, no weather forecast can be made with complete accuracy. The City of Austin writes its "decisions about … delays and closures are made based on the best available information that officials have at the time."  AISD writes that if it has "compelling information" about inclement weather, it will issue a decision before 9 p.m; otherwise, its next decision point comes at 6 a.m.

Let's hear your opinion: did Austin jump the gun in issuing today's delays? 

Wells has been a part of KUT News since 2012, when he was hired as the station's first online reporter. He's currently the social media host and producer for Texas Standard, KUT's flagship news program. In between those gigs, he served as online editor for KUT, covering news in Austin, Central Texas and beyond.
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