ATX PULSE 1/21-23/26 (free) (sponsored by Kelsey Easton, COMPASS): Gov. Abbott, Mayor Watson Declare Disaster Amid Ice Storm // Teenager Injured in E. ATX Shooting // Hit-and-Run Driver Sought Near UT Campus // Austin City Council Backs New Council Member Spending Expense Guidelines // UT Athletics Suffers $23M Loss in 2025

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2026 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2026

Compiled by Matt Mackowiak

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WEATHER

Today: H: 32° / L: 19°.

Monday: H: 37° / L: 18°.

Tuesday: H: 48° / L: 27°.

Wednesday: H: 50° / L: 28°.

TOP NEWS

"Gov. Greg Abbott declares disaster as Texas braces for severe winter storm" Austin American-Statesman's Julianna Duennes Russ, Mary Wasson – Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 134 counties Thursday morning and offered reassurance about the state’s readiness levels ahead of a severe winter storm, which is forecast to begin Friday evening and last through the weekend.

"Whenever we go through any type of disaster, job number one is always protecting lives,” said Abbott.

The storm is expected to bring freezing temperatures and hazardous precipitation, which could cause dangerous road conditions, pipe bursts and power outages. At a Thursday morning news conference, Abbott and other officials urged Texans to prepare for the storm in advance and to stay off roadways once temperatures drop.

(Austin American-Statesman)

"Austin mayor declares local state of disaster ahead of severe winter weather threat" KEYE's None – Austin Mayor Kirk Watson declared a preemptive local state of disaster Thursday as severe winter weather, including below-freezing temperatures and dangerous ice conditions, is expected to hit the city this weekend.

Watson said the declaration will allow the city to respond more quickly and organize more efficiently if a disaster occurs.

The mayor urged residents to prepare by protecting "people, pipes, pets, and plants."

Watson advised residents to check on neighbors, especially those who might need assistance, and warned against using generators, grills, camp stoves or any gasoline, propane or charcoal-burning devices to heat homes, as they generate carbon monoxide gas.

He also recommended bringing pets inside, insulating exposed pipes, winterizing water heaters and outside faucets, and covering or bringing plants indoors.

Residents can find more information at ReadyCentralTexas.org and sign up for alerts at warncentraltexas.org.

(KEYE)

"How much snow and ice will Austin and Texas see during the winter freeze?" Austin American-Statesman's Anthony Franze – When will it snow in Austin and Texas? Here's the latest Greg Abbott listens to a briefing as he prepares for a winter storm at the State Operations Center in Austin on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. The highly anticipated arctic cold front is less than 24 hours away from starting its push through North Texas. Latest model trends have shown that the front will move a bit slower, likely keeping statewide temps a few degrees warmer than previously expected Friday night and into Saturday.

What effect will this delay cause? Parts of North Texas could see less snowfall, but likely an increase in freezing rain and the potential for sleet. At the same time, many areas in Central and South Texas could experience a later transition from rain to freezing rain.

However, even with the slightly slower cold front moving through, this will still be an especially high-impact event. Road conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly because of ice accumulation, making travel nearly impossible for parts of the state. Here’s an update on how much snow and ice can be expected across Texas.

(Austin American-Statesman)

THE BLOTTER

"Teenager seriously injured in E Austin apartment shooting, suspect in custody" via KEYE – A teenager was shot and injured during a fight at an east Austin apartment complex Wednesday afternoon, and another juvenile was taken into custody, police said.

Austin police responded to reports of a shooting at the Park Place at Loyola Apartments at 6200 Loyola Lane at 2:20 p.m.

Police believe the teen was shot during "a physical altercation... involving juveniles."

The victim was taken to a trauma facility with injuries that are not expected to be life-threatening, Austin-Travis County EMS said.

The suspect was taken into custody and a firearm was recovered, police said.

There is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation is ongoing.

(KEYE)

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