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Austin Energy giving update on outages, preparations
Austin Energy is giving an update on power outages in the area due to the winter weather currently impacting Central Texas.
AUSTIN, Texas - Around 130 residents are without power due to the inclement weather.
Austin Energy said on Twitter Saturday night that there were 8 active outages. According to their outage map Sunday afternoon, there were 6 active outages with 136 customers affected.
"OUTAGE UPDATE at 7:15 p.m.: 8 active outages <100 customers without power We were able to make tremendous progress today but we know what is forecasted for tomorrow/Monday. WATCH our COO Sidney Jackson talk preps for more wintry weather + outages:," Austin Energy tweeted at 7:40 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13.
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Northwest Austin family goes over 24 hours without power
A mother and daughter in Northwest Austin were without power for over 24 hours, the longest outage they say they've ever had.
Austin Energy also reminded customers that if they are out of power, to unplug high-energy use items, like electric heaters and electric vehicle chargers, to help the restoration process. "When power is restored, those high-energy use items cause a huge drain on the power lines and cause what we call "cold load pickup," which causes fuses to melt out after energization, which slows the restoration process," said Austin Energy on Twitter.
Customers can report outages to 512-322-9100. Austin Energy customers can monitor the outages here.
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Morning weather forecast for February 13
Chelsea Andrews has your forecast
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Central Texas, saying that a major winter storm will be moving across the region Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.
The City of Austin, Travis County, and community partners have activated cold weather shelters. The city says that moving forward, cold weather shelters will be operating 24 hours a day for as long as conditions dictate. Those sheltering will be offered the opportunity to remain during the day and the upcoming nights. Those seeking shelter Saturday will be able to go to the Central Library at 6 p.m. to be transported to shelters.
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Winter weather: Things to know
With severe winter weather impacting Central Texas, here are some things you need to know.
RELATED: Texas road crews continue to monitor driving conditions
Gov. Greg Abbott also issued a disaster declaration Friday for all 254 Texas counties in response to severe winter weather impacting the state.
Abbott's office says state resources are being deployed to help with local response efforts. The Texas State Operations Center has also been ordered to expand its daily operations to 24-hours a day through the end of next week.
Austin Water has shared tips for preparing pipes and preventing property damage during freezing weather and Austin Energy is working on power outages across the area. CapMetro says it has enacted agency-wide preparations to help keep riders and employees safe while also providing transportation services.
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Track your local forecast for the Austin area quickly with the free FOX 7 WAPP. The design gives you radar, hourly, and 7-day weather information just by scrolling. Our weather alerts will warn you early and help you stay safe during storms.