Austin, Texas, January 26, 2026
Austin is currently under the impact of a severe winter storm that has caused freezing rain, sleet, and hazardous road conditions. The storm has led to widespread school closures and power outages, leaving over a million people without power in affected regions. Local authorities have urged residents to avoid travel unless necessary, emphasizing safety precautions to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. The community’s resilience is being tested as agencies coordinate response efforts to mitigate the storm’s impact.
Austin Faces Severe Winter Storm with Ice and Hazardous Conditions
Severe Winter Storm Impacts Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas, is currently grappling with a severe winter storm that has unleashed a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and hazardous road conditions across the region. The storm has incurred widespread school closures, power outages, and has created dangerous travel situations, showing the resilience of both individuals and local agencies as they respond to this challenge.
Details of the Winter Storm
The winter storm commenced on January 24, 2026, and has culminated in notable ice accumulation throughout Austin and its surrounding areas. The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning for Austin and Travis County, effective through 12 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2026. Arctic air moved into the area late Friday, resulting in prolonged freezing temperatures across the Hill Country and the Austin Metro. The precipitation began Friday afternoon and continued into Saturday night, maintaining temperatures below freezing throughout the weekend. Ice accumulation in Austin is expected to range from one-tenth to one-quarter of an inch, with areas in the Hill Country experiencing up to half an inch of ice.
Impact on Austin and Surrounding Areas
The storm’s impact has been profound, leading to widespread power outages, with over 1 million people left without power by midday January 25, primarily affecting Texas, Louisiana, the Mississippi Delta, and the southern Ohio River basin. Fortunately, the power grid in Austin has remained largely intact, with only 30 customers experiencing outages by Sunday morning. However, road conditions have been perilous, resulting in numerous accidents. According to reports, Austin police documented approximately 67 weather-related crashes between noon Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday. In response to these conditions, the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center activated on January 24 to manage and coordinate the regional response.
School and Business Closures
In light of the hazardous conditions, many Central Texas school districts, including Austin ISD and the University of Texas, closed their doors for Monday, January 26, 2026. These closures are being implemented to safeguard the well-being of both students and staff during this ongoing winter storm.
Safety Precautions
Given the dangerous driving conditions, residents are strongly advised to avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary. The National Weather Service has issued warnings that prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to hypothermia or frostbite without the proper precautions. The Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor developments while coordinating response efforts for the safety of the community.
Background Context
While Austin generally enjoys mild winters, with January being the coldest month averaging a daytime high of 62.5°F, the region is not unaccustomed to winter storms. Historically, Austin has experienced occasional ice storms, with the most significant temperature recorded being an astonishing -2°F on January 31, 1949. The current winter storm stands out as one of the most impactful in recent history, prompting widespread closures and safety measures throughout the region.
Key Takeaways
The ongoing winter weather has placed a significant strain on Austin’s infrastructure, but it also highlights the determination and resilience of the local community. As entrepreneurs and residents weather this storm, it serves as a reminder of the vitality of our businesses and the importance of supporting each other through unforeseen challenges.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Storm Impact | Freezing rain, sleet, hazardous road conditions, school closures, power outages |
| Ice Accumulation | Up to 0.5 inches in some areas |
| Power Outages | Over 1 million people without power by mid-day January 25 |
| School Closures | Austin ISD and University of Texas closed on January 26 |
| Safety Advisory | Residents advised to stay off roads unless necessary; risk of hypothermia and frostbite |
FAQ
- What is the current weather situation in Austin, Texas?
- A severe winter storm has brought freezing rain, sleet, and hazardous road conditions to Austin, leading to widespread school closures, power outages, and dangerous travel conditions.
- What are the expected ice accumulations in Austin?
- Ice accumulation between one-tenth and one-quarter of an inch is possible in Austin, with up to a half inch possible in some areas of the Hill Country.
- How has the storm affected power in Austin?
- Over 1 million people were without power by mid-day on January 25, primarily in Texas, Louisiana, the Mississippi Delta, and the southern Ohio River basin. In Austin, the power grid remained largely unaffected, with only 30 customers experiencing outages as of Sunday morning.
- Which schools and businesses are closed due to the storm?
- Many Central Texas school districts, including Austin ISD and the University of Texas, have closed for Monday, January 26, 2026, in response to the hazardous conditions.
- What safety precautions should residents take during the storm?
- Residents are advised to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary due to dangerous driving conditions. Exposure to the cold can lead to hypothermia or frostbite without proper precautions.
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Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
