Austin weather: How does Austin ISD decide to delay, cancel classes?
AUSTIN, Texas - Austin ISD is sharing the district's weather protocols as Central Texas is grappling with winter weather.
The district says it is actively monitoring the weather conditions to ensure the safety of students and staff. As of 1 p.m. on Jan. 8, the district says it does not anticipate any operational changes or closures.
AISD is urging parents and guardians to send kids to school bundled up and dressed for the cold.
Austin ISD weather protocols
The district shared on social media how it determines operational changes when it comes to weather.
How is the decision made?
AISD says the decision to postpone or cancel classes due to inclement weather is based on an analysis of information available at the time, including:
- Consultations with local emergency management, law enforcement and weather experts
- Information provided by TxDOT and TDEM
- Weather-related disruption to families
- Current and projected weather conditions
- Consideration of neighboring school districts
Who makes the decision?
AISD says that a district leadership team gathers the information and makes recommendations, but that the decision is ultimately up to the superintendent.
When will district families be notified of the decision?
AISD says it makes every effort to make the decision no later than 8 p.m. the previous day to ensure that communications to affected families can be received before their children's bedtime.
However, in rare instances, the district will communicate decisions in the early morning between 4:30 a.m. and 5 a.m.
How will district families be notified?
If there is a cancelation or delay, families and staff will be notified of the decision by:
AISD is also reminding families to make sure their contact information is up-to-date in Frontline SIS in the Parent Portal.
If no communication about delays or cancelations is shared, classes will go on as scheduled.
Current weather forecast for Austin
According to FOX 7 Austin meteorologist Zack Shields, today (Wednesday, Jan. 8) is a transition day for the weather scene. The clouds are rolling in and staying cold with highs in the low 40s.
We are still waiting for more moisture and the Western low to arrive before rain chances really increase on Thursday. We have not seen winter weather alerts for Central Texas yet as of 1 p.m. Jan. 8.
There is a current Winter Weather Advisory for counties in the upper part of our viewing area: Blanco, Burnet, Gillespie and Llano. There is also a Hazardous Weather Outlook for the Central Texas counties: Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Bexar, Caldwell, Comal, Fayette, Gillespie, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis, and Williamson.
In Central Texas, we are still expecting more rain than ice and snow. It's expected that it could rain all day tomorrow, Jan. 9. Future rain totals are trending wetter.
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.
The Source: Information in this report comes from Austin ISD and FOX 7 Austin meteorologist Zack Shields.