AUSTIN-TRAVIS UPDATE 12:30 p.m.: Power, Trees, Homeless Shelter, Barton Springs Pool

AUSTIN-TRAVIS UPDATE 12:30 p.m.: Power, Trees, Homeless Shelter, Barton Springs Pool Closing

The City of Austin, Travis County, and regional partners continue to operate around the clock at the Emergency Operations Center, activated at 6 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25, to assist with coastal sheltering and help Austin residents stay safe during the storm event due to Hurricane Harvey.

Residents are asked to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, and be aware that conditions can deteriorate rapidly. Remember to observe road signs and closures, and to stay up-to-date on the latest weather conditions. 

Never drive through flood waters, and avoid walking in flooded areas. Turn around, don’t drown. Up-to-date flooded road conditions are on atxfloods.com.

Continue to monitor local media and sign up at WarnCentralTexas.org for emergency information.

City of Austin Facility Operations
The following facilities will operate until 4 p.m. or regular operational hours if the facility normally closes before 4 p.m.:

• Recreation Centers
• Libraries
• Cultural Centers
• Museums
• The Sheffield Education Center
• The Austin Nature and Science Center
• The Zilker Botanical Garden

Barton Springs Pool shall operate as usual. Flood potential is being is closely monitored, and if flooding becomes imminent a closure will be announced.

All other City of Austin pools are closed as are City of Austin golf courses.

Electric Power
Customers of Austin Energy, the city-owned utility that serves most of Travis County, have experienced scattered power outages since dawn.

The primary cause has been wind that has blown vegetation into power lines. Austin Energy has 13 crews and 10 tree-trimming crews on duty, with additional crews available if needed. They are working some 1,400 individual reports.

Trees
Weather conditions, including heavy rains, flooding and high winds, can create hazardous situations such as broken tree limbs and tree failure.
 
Everyone is urged to use caution around downed trees, particularly near power lines. 

Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works forestry crews are prepared for emergency storm response.
 
Trees in streets or parks:
Residents should call Austin 3-1-1 or use the Austin 3-1-1 app to report debris or a downed tree on the street or in a public park.

Additionally, residents should be cautious of downed power lines that may be nearby or tangled in the tree.
 
Trees on private property:
Through Friday, Sept. 1, the City of Austin will not require permitting tree removal prior to removing regulated trees that are an imminent hazard as a result of the storm. Permits are required to be submitted retroactively.
 
To retroactively permit tree removals, a Tree Ordinance Review Application including photos demonstrating the tree condition must be submitted within 30 days of removal. There is no fee for the permit. Information collected through these permits helps the City assess storm damage to our community’s urban forest. 
 
As a reminder, permits are required for:

• Trees 19 inches in diameter or larger on single-family property
• Trees 8 inches in diameter or larger trees on commercial property

Questions about tree permits may be directed to the City Arborist Program at AustinTexas.gov/trees. 

Homeless shelter
Due to inclement weather, the City of Austin will provide emergency shelter for Austin homeless individuals seeking shelter. Those seeking shelter may check-in at the ARCH (Austin Resource Center for the Homeless), 500 E. Seventh St., at 5:30 p.m.