Central Texas braces for storm: Crews, TxDOT ready
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- What started off as a perfect Saturday in Austin quickly changed in the afternoon, reminding Central Texas winter is not over. From city crews, to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), to electric companies everyone is getting ready for what might happen in the next few days.
If the parking lot at Pease Park was any indication, people were taking advantage of a nice, sunny Saturday afternoon.
Calm before the storm
"It's such a beautiful day," one college student told KXAN. "I'm so glad we came out here. It just feels so nice to see everyone enjoying the park."
"I love it," another student said. "It's the warm before the super cold and the super hot."
The city of Austin is already winterizing its parks. Barton Springs, for example, is under a "swim at your own risk" advisory for Monday and will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 21.
'We're fully staffed up,' Austin Energy says
Austin Energy is ready for the cold snap, as well.
"We're fully staffed up. We're making sure all our supplies that are necessary are there so in the event of a power outage our crews can roll out as quickly and safely as possible," Austin Energy spokesman Matt Mitchell said.
City ready with warming shelters
The city has also already opened warming shelters to keep people out of the weather.
"We have overnight shelters available and we've expanded our overnight shelter capacity," said Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa Fuentes.
People flock to stores to stock up
KXAN went to visit the H-E-B store on South Congress on Saturday afternoon. The parking lot and store were packed with shoppers. There was a noticeable amount of water and toilet paper already off the shelves, but it did not appear people were "panic buying."
TxDOT readies roads for ice, snow potential
When it comes to the roads, you've likely already seen the work TxDOT has done.
"We're laying that brine down well in advance before, during, and after the storm," spokesman Adam Hammons said. "We want to make sure we're getting all those roadways to prevent ice from forming on there."
Planning for worst-case scenarios
TxDOT is also reminding people if you do have to travel early next week to have an emergency kit packed and ready in your car. Drivers should also make sure gas tanks and fluids, like for your windshield, and wipers are in working order before it's too late.
The Austin International Half happens Sunday morning. Organizers are reminding runners to dress in warm layers with feels-like temperatures expected to be in the teens. There are also numerous road closures for the morning run, which can be found here.