Houston Winter Storm: Extreme Cold, Ice, and Preparation Guide

Winter Storm Threat for Houston

• ⚠️ A significant winter storm is targeting the Lonestar State, bringing extreme cold, ice, and freezing rain.
• 🚨 Disaster declarations have been issued for 134 Texas counties, with officials urging residents to prepare immediately.
• ⏰ The key message from officials is to be home by 9 p.m. Saturday and ready to stay put for the weekend.

Weather Forecast and Timing

• ❄️ Temperatures will fall through Saturday with the arrival of a cold front, potentially leading to heavy downpours.
• 🧊 Freezing rain is expected to begin Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday, particularly in northern counties, causing ice accumulation.
• 🥶 A hard freeze is anticipated, with temperatures remaining below freezing for several hours, especially by Monday morning.
• 🌬️ Feels-like temperatures could drop into the teens due to wind chill.

Road Conditions and Travel Advisory

• 🚗 Travel is expected to be dangerous due to ice accumulation on roads, with treatment efforts underway.
• 🚫 Officials strongly advise avoiding driving if possible until conditions improve.
• ⚠️ Black ice, which is difficult to see, is a significant hazard, and drivers are reminded to slow down and increase following distances.
• 🛣️ Hot spots for ice include bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and rural roads.

Home Preparation and Safety

• 🏠 It is critical to winterize homes by disconnecting outdoor hoses and insulating spigots to prevent freezing.
• 💧 Knowing how to shut off water at the main valve is essential in case of pipe bursts.
• 🛠️ DIY methods using towels, waterproof tape, or plastic bags can be used to insulate pipes if store-bought materials are unavailable.
• 🆘 Warming centers are opening across the state, including in the Houston area, and the National Guard has been activated for rescue and delivery services.
• 🔌 Power outages are possible due to ice accumulation on power lines.