Two people in Austin die of hypothermia during this week’s winter freeze

Two people have died as a result of the cold front that brought sub-freezing temperatures and as much as half an inch of snow to parts of the city this week.

Captain Christa Stedman of Austin-Travis County EMS said both people died of hypothermia overnight Monday into Tuesday.

EMS has responded to about 40 weather-related calls since Monday. About half were related to traffic accidents, and the other half were to exposure to cold.

While road conditions are likely to improve Tuesday, which could cut down on collision-related calls, Stedman said EMS is concerned about another overnight freeze.

“Hopefully we’re not going to see a lot of refreezing and a lot more ice buildup on the roads, but you never know,” she said. “But whether it’s freezing or not, it’s still going to be bitterly cold. So hypothermia will definitely be at the top of our minds going forward.”

EMS responded to six traffic accidents and 11 calls for cold-related illness on Monday. Since midnight Tuesday, EMS has reported 16 calls for crashes and seven calls for cold-related illness.

The National Weather Service expects temperatures to bottom out in the low 20s in Austin Wednesday morning – the city’s coldest weather so far this winter.

Austin has opened shelters for people experiencing homelessness during this cold snap, serving as many as 550 people on Monday night alone. Churches and other nonprofits have also opened their doors to protect people from the cold.