Winter Weather

Felipe Nuñez finds a warm place to sleep at Getsemani Center on Friday night, January 23.

Felipe Nuñez finds a warm place to sleep at Getsemani Center on Friday night, January 23.

Nonprofits step up to provide shelter during winter storm

By ISIS AIDE REYESAs a major winter storm approached Williamson County over the weekend, nonprofits and churches collaborated to create a warming center in Georgetown, which has no official city-run center.
A bicyclist takes a rest break in a parking lot at Murphy Park  as sunset nears on an icy Monday afternoon, January 26, 2026.  The temperature reached the low-mid 30s Monday, and dipped into the teens overnight.  Photo by Andy Sharp.

A bicyclist takes a rest break in a parking lot at Murphy Park as sunset nears on an icy Monday afternoon, January 26, 2026. The temperature reached the low-mid 30s Monday, and dipped into the teens overnight. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Peaceful moment

A bicyclist takes a rest break in a parking lot at Murphy Park  as sunset nears on an icy Monday afternoon, January 26, 2026.  The temperature reached the low-mid 30s Monday, and dipped into the teens overnight.   Photo by Andy Sharp.
 Cattle graze in an ice-covered field  along County Road 347 on Monday afternoon, January 26, 2026.  The temperature reached the low-mid 30s Monday, but was expected to dip to 14 degrees by Tuesday morning.   Photo by Andy Sharp.

Cattle graze in an ice-covered field along County Road 347 on Monday afternoon, January 26, 2026. The temperature reached the low-mid 30s Monday, but was expected to dip to 14 degrees by Tuesday morning. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Snow-covered landscape

Ice covered the Williamson County landscape after the winter storm the weekend of January 24-25.
An empty Square and Williamson County Courthouse were icy Monday, January 26, after a strong winter storm brought heavy rain, sleet and ice over the weekend. (Photo by Jessica Ohle)

An empty Square and Williamson County Courthouse were icy Monday, January 26, after a strong winter storm brought heavy rain, sleet and ice over the weekend. (Photo by Jessica Ohle)

Winter storm ices Williamson County, but leaves minimal damage

Following rain, wind and a hard freeze from Winter Storm Fern this weekend, Williamson County is expected to bounce back to normal by the end of the day Tuesday, January 27.
Brittany Wright enjoys the warmth inside  the Getsemani Center on Friday night, January 23, 2026.  With winter weather coming to Central Texas, the area’s homeless find shelter at warming centers in the area.    Photo by Andy Sharp.

Brittany Wright enjoys the warmth inside the Getsemani Center on Friday night, January 23, 2026. With winter weather coming to Central Texas, the area’s homeless find shelter at warming centers in the area. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Photos: Residents seek shelter with warming center

Nonprofits like Helping Hands of Georgetown, Navigation Services, First United Methodist Church and community volunteers — have opened a warming center at Getsemani Community Center, 412 East 19th Street, Georgetown, for those seeking shelter during the ongoing cold front.
Williamson County emergency officials provide the public with safety information for potential hazardous winter weather. From left: Matt Williamson, Wilco’s road and bridge division director; Bruce Clements, emergency management director; County Judge Steve Snell; and Bill Zito, senior director of Emergency Services.  Photo by Nalani Nuylan

Williamson County emergency officials provide the public with safety information for potential hazardous winter weather. From left: Matt Williamson, Wilco’s road and bridge division director; Bruce Clements, emergency management director; County Judge Steve Snell; and Bill Zito, senior director of Emergency Services. Photo by Nalani Nuylan

Williamson County officials talk about winter weather planning

Weather is unpredictable in Central Texas; that is nothing new. With the recent July floods and blackouts becoming more frequent during freezes, residents can prepare ahead for the possible winter dangers.
Williamson County Road and Bridge crews spread 250 gallons of chemical de-icer and 15 tons of sand on county roads, bridges and overpasses on Sunday night in preparation of the winter weather. Photo courtesy of Williamson County Emergency Management.

Williamson County Road and Bridge crews spread 250 gallons of chemical de-icer and 15 tons of sand on county roads, bridges and overpasses on Sunday night in preparation of the winter weather. Photo courtesy of Williamson County Emergency Management.

Williamson County opens Emergency Operations Center

Williamson County Office of Emergency Management has opened the county’s Emergency Operations Center in response to the Winter Weather Advisory and possible icy conditions in the county early this week.
Artemio Olivarez settles in for the night on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at the Madella Hilliard Neighborhood Center, located at 803 West Eighth Street.  Photos by Andy Sharp.

Artemio Olivarez settles in for the night on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at the Madella Hilliard Neighborhood Center, located at 803 West Eighth Street. Photos by Andy Sharp.

Georgetown opens warming center to provide shelter during low overnight temps

The Madella Hilliard Neighborhood Center, located at 803 West Eighth Street, Georgetown, opened as a warming center  for people needing shelter Sunday, January 14, as temperatures dipped under 20 degrees.