Marking the first snowfall of the year in the Central Texas area, this weekend brings a polar vortex affecting much of the U.S. Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, South, and Northeast. Austin will feel the impacts of this weather, with a wintery mix expected to hit Saturday night and continue through Sunday. 

While the change in weather may be exciting for some in contrast to the typical Texas heat, it also brings challenges. Power outages are the major problem, as many have previously experienced the effects of a harsh winter during the 2023 winter storms where more than 170,000 Austin residents were without power according to Austin Energy. 

With the icy roads being a concern, it also brings up the question of if transportation to schools on Monday will be possible. The district wants to keep students as safe as possible with getting to and from school; that may not be possible with slippery roads iced over from the day before. This decision has not yet been finalized. 

The cause of this severe weather is the polar vortex, which is a large area of cold air at both the north and south pole. During the winter time the polar vortex expands, sending cold air south to the U.S. causing the cold weather. 

Remembering past severe winter conditions like these, customers are emptying shelves of local grocery stores, preparing with essentials such as bread, milk, water and meat. H.E.B, Kroger’s, Costco and many other stores look bare with frantic shoppers buying out everything needed before the storm hits.