Power outages widespread following massive ice storm
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Forecasters expect more significant ice accumulation today throughout the Austin metro region and the Hill Country, causing already dangerous roads to become even more treacherous.
Thousands of Austinites lost power early Wednesday morning, as a result of the ice causing various problems, such as tree limbs falling on power lines. The number of customers without power continues to rise, with over 100,000 reported by Austin Energy as of 7:40 a.m.
Austin Fire said they’ve responded to over 75 calls related to arcing wires and that multiple stations have also lost power.
Here’s what we know about road conditions, today’s forecast and power outages:
Winter storm warning for Austin:Here’s what you need to worry about
9:45 a.m.: Heavier round of ice is over
This storm’s most significant round of freezing rain that hit the Austin metro area Wednesday morning has moved out of the region, according to the National Weather Service.
There’s still a chance of freezing drizzle and rain, which could turn to just a cold rain or sleet mix as temperatures are expected to get just above freezing Wednesday afternoon. However, the wintry weather mix could return Wednesday evening with more chances possible for freezing rain going into early Thursday morning.
Temperatures are expected to hover above freezing Thursday morning and move into the 40s by the afternoon. There’s a light chance of rain throughout the day also.
The winter storm warning is still scheduled to end at 6 a.m. on Thursday.
More:Affected by the Austin, Texas, power outages? Here’s what you can do to stay safe
Austin Energy says power will be restored ‘quickly’
Austin Energy spokesperson Matt Mitchell said crews are dispatched and working to restore power as quickly as possible. He added that each outage is unique, and some repairs will take longer than others, especially as treacherous road conditions make it harder to navigate the city. Temperatures could get above freezing for a few hours Wednesday afternoon, which he said will help crews get outages fixed faster.
The utility company tweeted that outages are widespread and some customers could see outages for 12 to 24 hours.
Ice can cause tree limbs and other vegetation to freeze, snap and fall on power lines, resulting in mass outages.
If you do lose power, follow this advice from Mitchell: don’t panic, stay inside, keep all windows and doors closed, unplug major appliances and heaters, layer up, grab some blankets and wait for the power to be restored.
In addition, do not use stoves, ovens or portable grills to heat your home, as it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning that can result in hospitalization or death. If you have a generator, be sure it’s in a well-ventilated area before using it.
More:What you can do to stay safe, warm during an outage
While many in the region may be having flashbacks to Winter Storm Uri which caused massive power outages for days, this storm is not predicted to be that bad, and Mitchell said power will be restored as the weather warms over the…
Read More: Power outages widespread following massive ice storm