Officials activate shelters, prepare roads as cold weather hits Central Texas

AUSTIN, Texas - The cold weather that's been hitting other parts of the country has arrived in Central Texas and officials have prepared roads and activated shelters for those in need.

TxDOT prepped roads ahead of the freezing temperatures as there were concerns of ice in some areas. Crews were out de-icing and part of pre-treatment and some crews were deployed in case they were needed.

Officials urge drivers to slow down when approaching bridges and overpasses to slow down as they can get very slick.

TxDOT was just one of the agencies in Central Texas preparing for what's the coldest temperatures we've seen so far this season.

While Austin is expected to not be hit hard by ice, the low temps prompted city officials to activate cold weather shelters. Shelters are activated when the weather drops below 32 degrees or under 35 when it's raining or there are any high winds.

The ARCH activated its shelter at around 5 p.m. yesterday (11/11) and a spokesperson says they served at least 500 people last night. The facility was at full capacity and more areas inside had to be opened up to fit more people.

Cap Metro also stepped in and started busing those in need to various shelters around the city. Those that were bused to other locations will be picked up and dropped off at their original locations later today.

Several local churches also opened their doors to provide a warm place for people to sleep.