A Cold Night on East Riverside Drive: Austin Faces Its First Winter Storm Fatality
Just after 10 p.m. on a bitter weekend evening near the intersection of East Riverside Drive and Pleasant Valley Road, the chill in the air felt unrelenting. In the heart of East Riverside, a neighborhood where many residents and commuters pass daily, the cold settled deep into homes and onto the streets. For some, the biting temperatures became deadly.
Gregory Ross Mireles, 43, was found deceased from hypothermia, marking Austin’s first fatality linked to this winter storm. The incident occurred over the weekend, underscoring the severity of the cold snap that has gripped the city. This tragic loss is a stark reminder that despite extensive preparations and shelter efforts, the dangers of freezing temperatures remain very real for many Austinites.
What Happened: The Facts Behind the Fatality
Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services reported approximately 400 service calls related to the winter storm over the weekend. Of those, 35 individuals were treated for hypothermia, a clear indication of how widespread and severe the weather’s impact has been.
City officials, led by Mayor Kirk Watson, have been actively responding since preparations began on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Around 850 people have been provided shelter in warming centers, which remain open through tonight and into tomorrow morning. David Gray, Director of Austin Homeless Strategies and Operations, confirmed the continued operation of these centers as a crucial resource during this emergency.
Why This Matters to You and Your Household
This winter storm is not just an inconvenience; it poses immediate threats to your safety, finances, and daily routine. If you or someone you know is exposed to the cold for extended periods, hypothermia can set in quickly, leading to life-threatening conditions. If you ignore the risks or delay seeking shelter, you could face severe health consequences or even death.
Beyond health, the storm disrupts traffic and daily commutes, especially in busy corridors like East Riverside Drive, forcing delays and increasing stress for workers and families. Homes without proper heating or insulation could suffer damage, leading to costly repairs. The longer you wait to address these issues, the more complex and expensive they become.
If You Are Facing This Storm: What To Do Immediately
- 1. Seek Shelter Now: If your home is cold or unsafe, go to a designated warming center immediately. These centers are open through tonight and tomorrow morning.
- 2. Check on Vulnerable Neighbors: Older adults, individuals with health issues, and those without stable housing are at highest risk.
- 3. Avoid Unnecessary Travel: Roads are slippery and emergency services are stretched thin. Stay off the roads unless it’s an emergency.
- 4. Dress in Layers: If you must be outside, wear multiple layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots to reduce heat loss.
- 5. Monitor for Hypothermia Symptoms: Shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness require immediate medical attention.
- 6. Contact Emergency Services if Needed: Call Austin-Travis County EMS if you or someone else shows signs of severe cold exposure.
- 7. Prepare Your Home: Use safe heating sources and seal drafts to keep temperatures manageable.
When Professional Help Becomes Necessary
If your home heating system fails or your property sustains damage from freezing temperatures, you need to contact licensed contractors immediately. Delaying repairs can lead to burst pipes, electrical hazards, or structural damage that will cost more to fix later.
Legal help becomes necessary if your landlord or property manager fails to maintain safe living conditions during this emergency. Austin residents have rights to habitable housing, and professional legal advice can assist in enforcing these rights.
For those who have sustained injury or property loss due to the storm, consulting with planners or insurance professionals is critical. They can help navigate claims and recovery processes that are often complex and time-sensitive.
Local Context: What This Means for Austin Residents
East Riverside Drive is a major artery for many Austinites commuting between downtown and southeastern neighborhoods. The cold has not only threatened lives but also disrupted daily routines for thousands. Whether you live near Pleasant Valley Road or drive through this area regularly, the risks from this storm are immediate and personal.
Mayor Kirk Watson and city officials continue to emphasize the importance of using available resources, especially warming centers, to prevent further tragedies. David Gray’s team is working around the clock to keep these centers operational and accessible as the city faces this unprecedented winter event.
Where This Is Happening in Austin
The incident and ongoing emergency efforts are centered around East Riverside Drive near the intersection with Pleasant Valley Road. This area is part of a busy corridor connecting several Austin neighborhoods and is frequently traveled by commuters, students, and service workers.
Warming centers and emergency shelters have been set up nearby to serve residents from these neighborhoods and others affected by the storm. Local landmarks and institutions in the area are part of the city’s coordinated response, with resources directed to those most at risk.
If you live, work, or travel through East Riverside, you need to take this storm seriously. The dangers are real, the city’s response is active, and your immediate action could save lives—including your own.
