Breaking the ice 🧊

Power outage swipes more than 30% of Austin’s electricity

A view of frost-covered trees and a gray sky over the Seaholm District.

It has been an icy few days in ATX. | Photo by ATXtoday

At least 32% of Austinites lost power yesterday as the latest winter storm sweeps through Texas.

It may not look like much more than ice on our porches, but residents saw at least a quarter to three-quarters of an inch of ice in Central Texas. On Monday, Austin-Travis County EMS and local police responded to more than 300 ice-related incidents.

ATX_temperaturesFeb — The cold will soon melt away.

How much cold weather is left?

Austin has been under winter weather watch since Monday, Jan. 31 until at least 10 a.m. today. But come this weekend, hazardous conditions will ease as rainfall slows. It’s probably going to stay cold until Sunday, Feb. 5, which is expected to bring a high temperature of 57º and a low of 39º over sunny skies.

Roads might still be dangerous after scattered rain overnight, so be cautious on roadways and stay home until temperatures rise, if possible. For the rest of the month, expect temperatures a little closer to the Austin average of 45-61 degrees.

ATXiceweather — Roadways will still be considered dangerous this morning.

Winter storm 2.0?

Between Austin Energy and Oncor, more than 180,000 Travis County residents lost power on Wednesday. That’s the biggest power loss since February 2021, but this weather doesn’t hold a candle to Winter Storm Uri, which left more than 4.5 million Texas homes powerless.

According to Austin Energy, most power outages yesterday were caused by frozen branches downing power lines, not a statewide issue with the power grid. Text OUT to 287846 to report outages to Austin Energy.

Staying safe

The easiest way to stay safe is to avoid driving until roads thaw. In addition to icy conditions, nearly a third of traffic signals lost connection yesterday.

The worst part is over, but next time Austin freezes over, remember the four Ps: protect your pipes from breakage, bring plants inside, protect pets, and check in on people nearby.

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Thursday, Feb. 2

Oklahoma City Blue vs. Austin Spurs | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 11 a.m. | H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park | $10 | Cheer on Austin’s G League team at this home game.

Friday, Feb. 3

Primo the Alien | Friday, Feb. 3 | 11 p.m. | Stubb’s, 801 Red River St., Austin | $10 | Catch this local pop musician at this iconic venue — free admission with a wristband from Subtronics.

Saturday, Feb. 4

Bob Marley Birthday Tribute | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 9 p.m. | Flamingo Cantina, 515 E. 6th St., Austin | $7-$10 | This 21+ show, headlined by Mau Mau Chaplains and Hail Marley, will honor the reggae legend.
Carnaval Brasileiro | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 8 p.m. | Speakeasy, 412 Congress Ave., Austin | $35 | Austin’s Brazilian-style Mardi Gras celebration has been running since 1978.

Sunday, Feb. 5

Jo’s Annual Chili Cook-Off | Sunday, Feb. 5 | 12-3 p.m. | Jo’s Coffee, 1300 S. Congress Ave., Austin | Free-$25 | Stop by this annual cook-off for tasting, dancing, and live music.

Tuesday, Feb. 7

Blackademics TV | Tuesday, Feb. 7-Wednesday, Feb. 8 | 7 p.m. | George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina St., Austin | Free | The nationally broadcast series about Black scholarship is going live in Austin.
Suki Waterhouse | Tuesday, Feb. 7 | 8 p.m. | Historic Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St., Austin | $75 | The model and singer’s new EP, “Milk Teeth,” is out now.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

43º | Morning showers | 49% chance of rain

Cause

We Are Blood, the sole blood supplier for Austin hospital systems, is in increased need of donations after closing down for two days due to weather. All four locations are open today from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Austin American-Statesman)

Announced

The Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park will host The Pixies, with opening acts from Franz Ferdinand and Bully, this summer. Tickets go on sale on Friday, Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. 🎸
It ain’t over until the Austin Opera sings, and it has an exciting season ahead. The 2023-2024 season includes a mariachi opera, “Carmen” by Georges Bizet, and opens with “Pagliacci” by Ruggero Leoncavallo. (Austin American-Statesman)
SXSW’s Film and TV Festival just added the missing piece to its lineup: biographical drama “Tetris.” The film, starring Taron Egerton, follows game developer Henk Rogers and is joining five other headlining films. 🕹 (The Austin Chronicle)

Sports

Men’s Longhorn basketball is No. 1 in the Big 12 after a 76-71 win against the Baylor Bears. It may not be for long, as the team will face Kansas State in an away game on Saturday. (Austin American-Statesman)
Austin FC fans can now enjoy the action from home via Apple TV. For an extra fee, the addition of the MLS Season Pass will give subscribers access to each regular season games, playoffs, and League Cup matches. 🏟

Theater

The Texas Performing Arts’ production of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” is coming to Bass Concert Hall Tuesday, May 9-Monday, May 14. Tickets go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m.

Shop

Improve your space while supporting a good cause. Afghan Flying Carpets is an Austin-based company specializing in unique, authentic handmade rugs with the goal of giving back to the family responsible for the stunning craftsmanship. Catch them at Austin City-Wide Vintage Show Feb. 4-5 at Palmer Auditorium.*

Traffic

What we’re buying for our cars: Dash cams. The REDTIGER Dual Dash Camera captures both the front and rear of your car and can be a lifesaver when it comes to contesting traffic violations and recording evidence of collisions. Plus, it connects to your mobile device. 🚦*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

‘Hung Up’ on Madonna’s return 🎉

Take a peek at Madonna’s 1985 concert in Austin

On the left is Madonna in 2022, on the right is Madonna in 1985.

Madonna hasn’t performed in the Capital City in almost 40 years. | Photos by David Kirouac, Moody Center

It’s been almost 40 years since Austin hosted the “Material Girl” herself, but in case you haven’t heard the news, Madonna is coming back to town this fall.

The Moody Center will host “The Celebration Tour” for two nights: Thursday, Sept. 21 and Friday, Sept. 22. The last time she played in the Capital City was on Sunday, May 5, 1985 at the Frank Erwin Center during “The Virgin Tour.”

In honor of a visit from the Queen of Pop, we’re sharing some photos from her first visit and some insight into Austin in 1985.

A photo of Madonna wearing a brightly colored jacket, lace gloves, and a large bow in her hair. — Madonna visited Austin on her first-ever tour.

In 1985...

The Daily Texan announced Madonna’s concert on May 2.
The New York Times called Austin “the intellectual and musical capital of Texas” that is struggling to manage growth.
Michael Dell dropped out of UT and started working on the company’s first computer system.
Longhorn football finished the regular season 8–3.

Tickets are on sale now.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Figi.

Editor’s pick: Groundhog Day is a special holiday to me because it is my stepdad’s birthday, and I’m very excited to tell him all about Bee Cave Bob. From now on, I’m calling it Bee Cave Bob Day.

Happy Birthday, Topher! 🧁

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Learn about Groundhog Day the Texas way.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Camille McLeod | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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