AUSTIN (KXAN) - In preparation for the winter storm blowing through Central Texas Monday night, city and county leaders activated the Austin-Travis County Emergency Operations Center Monday morning. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and Travis County Judge Andy Brown held a press conference Monday morning to brief the community on what is being done ahead of the winter precipitation. “We, as a City, are prepared for winter weather by making sure our utilities are ready for severe weather, providing warming centers and shelter for those who need it, [and] delivering vital information to community members as quickly and as broadly as possible to help Austinites stay safe and informed,” Watson said. “We are also working to keep roads as safe as possible and continuing to deliver the critical city services our community depends on, despite challenges the weather may bring,” Watson continued. Cold Weather Shelters have been open to folks in need of a warm place to stay since Saturday. Watson added that they will continue 24-hour operations through Wednesday morning. The city said there were nearly 400 guests who stayed in the shelters from Sunday night to Monday morning. Additionally, the Austin Public Library has opened three branches from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to serve as warming centers while the weather remains cold. Those branches are:    Terrazas Branch – 1105 E. Cesar Chavez St.   Ruiz Branch – 1600 Grove Blvd.   Little Walnut Branch – 835 W. Rundberg Ln.   “We want everyone to be prepared to safely keep [houses] warm, travel cautiously, and prepare for time outside in the cold. It’s best to stay indoors, but if you have to be outside, dress in warm layers and wear hats, scarves, and gloves,” Judge Brown said. “Please remember to also check on seniors, those with medical needs and neighbors,” he continued. Watson also reassured the public that despite ERCOT issuing a weather watch alert, there is no expectation currently of an energy emergency. "I know [the question] top of mind for everyone when we have weather like this is: 'Will my power stay on?'" Watson said. "The good news, however, is that grid conditions are expected to be normal during this winter weather event," he said. Still, Watson urged the public to be prepared in case conditions worsen. Folks can access ReadyCentralTexas.org as a resource to get information on preparing for, withstanding, and recovering from a variety of emergencies.