Houston Mayor Urges Residents to Stay Home During Severe Winter Storm

Winter Storm Preparedness in Houston

• ⚠️ Houston Mayor John Whitmire is urging all residents to stay home this weekend due to an impending severe arctic blast.
• 🚨 City officials have been preparing for days and are ready for the worst of the winter storm.

Potential Dangers and Infrastructure

• 🧊 Officials are concerned about ice accumulation on power lines and trees, which could lead to vegetation contacting power lines.
• ⚡ Centerpoint Energy has deployed 3,300 frontline workers to the city, with nine of the twelve opening warming centers equipped with backup generators.
• 🛣️ Roadways have been brined, but officials warn that hidden ice may be present, making roads dangerously slick.

State Disaster Declarations and Warnings

• 📜 Mayor Whitmire highlighted that 135 Texas counties have already been declared disaster areas by Governor Abbott, with similar conditions expected in Houston.
• 🏠 Residents are advised to be prepared and cautious, with the blast expected to be in full force by early Sunday morning.
• 🤝 Officials are also encouraging residents to check on their neighbors, especially the vulnerable, during the storm.