Weather

Once the decision to open cold-weather shelters is made, the decision stands – even if the forecast changes.

After receiving community feedback, the city lowered the temperature threshold to open the shelters and started giving people experiencing homelessness more of a heads up.

Because of anticipated precipitation and lower high temperatures, the city will also keep cold-weather shelters open 24 hours starting Wednesday night.

Texas officials on Wednesday outlined preparations for the winter storm set to hit much of the state this week.

Check your car's fluids and make sure your tires have enough tread and air. Temperature swings throughout the day could also wear down your battery.

City officials said Austin is ready for the winter weather and has already opened up overnight shelters and prepared crews and others. But at home, people can do their part to stay informed and ready.

Cold weather can lead to frozen pipes and expensive plumbing bills. So while the daytime temperatures are going to be warmer, many plumbers are urging people to take a "better safe than sorry" approach and drip their faucets at night.

Utility crews have been preparing for the weather for months by weatherizing and insulating power equipment and training staff to respond to emergencies.

Austin Energy and Austin Water officials said teams have been weatherizing equipment, and testing and prepping backup generators.

Cold snaps brought fall foliage to Austin in 2018 and 2022, but an expert says it's been too hot and dry for the leaves change this year.