WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — Ice accumulation means preparation on all fronts, including emergency services, grocery stores and Central Texas communities.
"Last three days is crazy," said Mohsin Dauva, owner of Manpasand Supermarket. "People buying lots of groceries, eggs, water and a lot of things."
Manpasand Supermarket is in northwest Austin. Dauva said he has been preparing for the crowds for a week.
"Whatever we can make fresh, the breads and stuff, we keep making for the people," Dauva said.
After seeing multiple wrecks outside of his store on the 183A toll road, he emailed customers to stay home if possible, and even went a step further for 12 of his employees.
"I don't want to take any risks for my employees," Dauva said. "So we are just picking up them from the morning, and now we are going to drop them off for tonight so they feel safe."
On Tuesday, Travis County saw more than 70 wrecks. So did Williamson County.
"If you're on the road tomorrow, you're going to have a very high likelihood of sliding off the road," said Michael Shoe, Williamson County's Director of Emergency Management.
Shoe said the biggest concern is keeping roads open for emergency transports as slip-and-fall calls increase. He said crews are laying deicer overnight and into Wednesday.
"We're concerned about the burst water pipes," ESD2 Fire Department Assistant Chief Daniel Berger said.
Berger said they have been in contact with apartment managements and homeowners in Pflugerville and North Austin warning them to wrap pipes so they don't burst. Berger said all hands are on deck, upping staff and equipment.
Everyone is preparing in their own way but have the same message.
"Please stay home the next couple of days," Shoe said.
"Stay home if you can," Berger said.
"Just enjoy this weather," Dauva said. "Stay home, you know, and safe."