In a press conference held on May 29, 2025, city officials provided updates on Austin's recovery efforts following severe weather that recently impacted the area. Key discussions centered around the challenges posed by fallen trees and ongoing vegetation management efforts.

Austin Energy reported that at the height of the storm, over 72,000 customers lost power, but as of the latest update, 93% of customers had their power restored. However, approximately 38,000 residents remained without electricity. Officials emphasized that while vegetation management is crucial for maintaining clearance from power lines, it cannot prevent the uprooting of large trees during extreme weather events.

The city is currently on a seven-year vegetation management cycle, with plans to complete the cycle by 2028. This systematic approach aims to enhance safety and reduce future outages. Additionally, Austin Energy is conducting studies to explore the feasibility of undergrounding electrical infrastructure and hardening overhead systems to improve resilience against severe weather.

Emergency services also addressed public safety concerns, urging residents to avoid flooded roadways, even if barricades are not present. Officials confirmed that some individuals disregarded barricades during the storm, leading to rescues in hazardous conditions.

The city’s outreach efforts for the unhoused community were highlighted, with teams actively informing and assisting vulnerable populations in low-lying areas to seek higher ground during the storm. Fortunately, there were no reported incidents related to homelessness during this weather event.

As recovery efforts continue, city officials remain focused on enhancing infrastructure resilience and ensuring public safety in the face of ongoing severe weather forecasts.