Austin Braces for Winter Storm Fern: What You Need to Know
As Winter Storm Fern bears down on Central Texas, Austin and Travis County leaders took decisive action Friday, issuing preemptive disaster declarations and implementing widespread closures to protect residents from what forecasters are calling a dangerous winter weather event.
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson issued a local state of disaster declaration alongside Travis County Judge Andy Brown, enabling faster emergency response and more efficient resource coordination. The move comes as the National Weather Service predicts up to a quarter-inch of ice accumulation starting Saturday, with freezing temperatures and hazardous conditions expected through Monday.
Winter Storm Warning
— Mayor Pro Tem Chito Vela, III (@chitoforatx) January 23, 2026
6 a.m. Sat. through noon Sun. Stay home if possible. Roads may be icy and dangerous. Protect the 4 Ps: people, pets, plants, & pipes. Have a winter kit with flashlights, blankets, food, and water. Check on neighbors and seniorshttps://t.co/V5lkRz39EH pic.twitter.com/DLdJ7U72s2
❄️ A disaster declaration is in effect for Travis County ahead of the forecasted winter storm.
— Travis County Emergency Services (@TravisCountyES) January 23, 2026
The County is pre-treating roads and ensuring resources are at warming centers and shelters.
Prepare now with food, water, warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, and batteries. pic.twitter.com/uRhAfyspNd
Take care of yourselves and others around you during this weekend. Follow the tips in the caption to stay warm and stay safe.
— Austin Police Department (@Austin_Police) January 24, 2026
– Do not stay outdoors too long. Dress warmly, in layers. Multiple light layers are better at trapping heat than just one heavy coat.
– Remember the… pic.twitter.com/2rBloeEUHW
Widespread Closures Across Austin
The city has implemented sweeping closures to keep residents safe. CapMetro announced all transit services will halt Saturday at 4 p.m., including buses, trains, CapMetro Access, Pickup services, and bikeshare. The transit agency will provide free rides to warming centers until service ends.
Autonomous vehicle service Waymo responded to concerns about its cars on the road during winter weather conditions.
Traffic in the area may be affected by more than ice.
KXAN-TV’s Grace Reader is in Burnet this morning with an update.
Air travel across the country is expected to be snarled by Winter Storm Fern.
Austin Parks & Recreation, Austin Public Library, and city cultural facilities will close at 3 p.m. Saturday and remain closed Sunday. All city golf courses closed Friday at 10 a.m., and city pools including Barton Springs and Deep Eddy closed at noon Friday.
🚨 Weather Update (1/23): All Travis County Parks and the 1431 Citizens Collection Center (2625 Woodall Dr., Cedar Park) will be closed Saturday and Sunday (1/24-25) due to potentially severe winter weather.
— Travis County TX (@TravisCountyTX) January 23, 2026
Travis County will continue to update the public on operation changes. pic.twitter.com/60dOq4a78Q
Major retailers are also adjusting operations. H-E-B announced its Central Texas stores would close Saturday at 5 p.m. and reopen Sunday at 9 a.m.
Area grocery stores saw crowds buying up staples such as bottled water, milk and paper products.
WHOLE FOODS – LAMAR BOULEVARD
The University of Texas announced closures from Saturday at 5 p.m. until Sunday at noon.
Texas Mobilizes Statewide Response
Governor Greg Abbott issued disaster declarations for 134 counties and assured Texans the state is better prepared than ever. More than 5,000 TxDOT personnel and hundreds of vehicles are positioned statewide to respond to accidents and clear debris, with highways pre-treated with brine solution to combat ice formation.
The state’s power grid appears ready for the challenge. ERCOT CEO Pablo Vargas stated officials are not anticipating reliability concerns on the statewide grid, citing improvements made since the devastating 2021 winter storm that left millions without power. The grid now has thousands of megawatts of battery storage and weatherized natural gas facilities that weren’t available during that crisis.
However, officials caution that localized outages remain possible. Ice buildup on power lines and tree branches could cause downed lines, even as the overall grid remains stable. Utility companies have mobilized crews and supplies for rapid restoration.
The Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center activated Saturday at noon to coordinate regional response efforts. Cold weather shelters opened Friday night, with warming centers available at libraries and recreation centers.
Texas nonprofits are ready to protect vulnerable residents.
For some Central Texans who are experiencing homelessness, the freezing temperatures can be dangerous.
WEATHER
5-DAY FORECAST / AUSTIN, TEXAS
UPDATES WILL BE MADE THROUGHOUT THE DAY AS WARRENTED
