Helen Brown
The University announced the cancellation of classes Tuesday in anticipation of inclement weather. Troy Kimmel, a retired UT geography professor and meteorologist, forecasted one inch or less of snow and sleet for the Interstate 35 corridor starting Monday night, with a possible refreezing over Tuesday night.
The University said non-essential staff can work from home. Essential personnel are still expected to be in person if possible, the University said in a statement, and any staff member with questions about their essential status can contact their supervisor.
University staff and students can monitor closure updates on the University’s emergency website or call 512-232-9999.
The University food pantry, UT Outpost, will be closed to students on Tuesday. The University provided information on how students can prepare for the cold weather, including leaving faucets dripping to prevent frozen pipes and unplugging non-essential appliances to limit the strain on the electrical grid.
The city of Austin has opened multiple overnight warming centers for those who either do not have access to heat, lost power or are currently unhoused, Mayor Kirk Watson said in a press conference. The centers will stay open until Wednesday, and the Austin Central Library will open at 8 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday to provide shelter and heat to those who leave the overnight warming centers.
Capital Metro will suspend its services at 9 p.m. on Monday in preparation for the forecasted weather tonight, with limited services resuming Tuesday.
“I know that top of mind for everyone when we have weather like this is, ‘Will my power stay on,’” Watson said. “I can tell you that ERCOT has issued a weather watch due to forecasted extreme cold weather.”
ERCOT is the entity that oversees the transmission of electricity through most of the Texas power grid. Electrical grid conditions are expected to remain normal during the weather events, and there is “no current expectation of an energy emergency,” Watson said. He said city and Austin Energy officials are ensuring utilities are prepared for severe weather.
Watson said the best thing Austin residents can do, given the chance of frozen precipitation and dangerous travel conditions, is to stay indoors and off the roads “unless absolutely necessary.”
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story mischaracterized Kimmel as a current faculty member. This has been corrected. The Texan regrets this error.