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Published on January 21, 2025
Central Texas Communities Gear Up for Incoming Winter Storm with Precautions and ClosuresSource: Estormiz, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Residents and businesses in Bastrop and surrounding counties in Central Texas are bracing for a winter storm expected to bring cold temperatures and over an inch of snow in some areas. Preparations include winterizing homes, stockpiling essentials, and making provisions for potential service disruptions. Travelers are advised to remain cautious about changing road conditions in response to the forecasted weather.

In Bastrop, local business owners like Theodosios Syrpis have begun to take proactive measures against the impending cold snap. Syrpis told KXAN, “We did have a cold snap three years ago, I was informed, and the pipes did rupture.” To protect their commercial interests, many, including Syrpis, plan to temporarily close their businesses to safely ride out the storm. In a display of clear prudence, individuals are taking steps to protect infrastructure, evidenced by activities such as dripping faucets to prevent pipes from bursting.

Buccee’s, a well-known travel center in the area, has taken precautions to ensure customer safety by salting walkways and lots. Customers like Wylie Weeks remain vigilant while travelling, prepared to turn around if conditions prove too treacherous. The sentiment of caution resonates with everyone from proprietors to patrons, each understanding the gravity of cold weather's potential hazards on life and livelihood.

Neighboring Fayette County isn't taking any chances either; schools and county offices will be closed for safety. Angela Hahn, Fayette County’s Emergency Management Coordinator, told KVUE that while their road crews lack big snow plows, "they’ll do whatever they need to do to help." Despite the previous brush with severe cold weather, the county's officials believe they're well prepared for this shorter, albeit intense, winter event.

As a precaution, officials have advised residents to remain indoors when possible, allowing first responders to stay safe and warm too. The community continues to draw from past experiences, like Susan Cherry who is focused on preventing her pipes from freezing. Services are expected to be in higher demand, with professionals like electrician Christopher Dobbins predicting a busy period ahead repairing the impact of ice on power lines. The region is not unfamiliar with snow, having set a record back in December 1929 when 7.2 inches fell in La Grange, but in recent memory, such events have been rare, creating a mix of alertness and adaptive spirit among the inhabitants.

Austin-Weather & Environment