Houston Winter Weather: Ice Storm Forecast and Preparation Guide

Winter Storm Threat for Southeast Texas

• ⚠️ A crippling ice storm is expected to impact Texas this weekend, with potentially destructive levels of ice accumulation, particularly north of Houston.
• 📌 While the most severe conditions may stay north, areas like Conroe, The Woodlands, Navasota, and Huntsville could face significant issues.
• ⚡ Arctic air is blasting across the country, affecting regions from Texas to the Northeast, leading to widespread travel disruptions and potential power outages.

Timeline of Expected Weather Impacts

• 🗓️ Tomorrow will feature mild weather and rain, with Thursday being an in-between day.
• 🌡️ Friday will be warm with upper 60s to near 70 degrees, but showers will develop later in the afternoon.
• 🧊 Heavy rain in North Texas is expected to turn to ice by Friday night, with icing conditions spreading across northern counties by Saturday morning.
• ❄️ Winter weather is predicted to continue through Saturday and Sunday, with temperatures in the 20s and 30s, and some areas potentially not getting above freezing.
• 🥶 By Monday, the weather is expected to clear, but dangerous cold will set in.

Forecast Confidence and Potential Dangers

• 📈 The probability of rain changing to ice is now in the moderate category, increasing from earlier assessments.
• 🔌 Hard freeze is expected Saturday night and Sunday night into Monday morning, with a significant potential for widespread power disruptions.
• 🗺️ Both European and American weather models show agreement on snow staying north, but confirm an ice storm threat, with the European model predicting devastating impacts along the I-20 corridor.
• 📉 While the worst of the ice may stay north, Houston and surrounding areas are still included in the forecast for icy weather, which could shut down travel and impact the power grid.

Preparation and Precautions

• 🏠 Prepare for power outages by checking generators and ensuring you have non-perishable food and water for three days.
• 🚗 Get ready for road closures; once the storm begins, it's advised to stay home.
• 💧 Take steps to winterize your house, including covering outdoor pipes and spigots, and wrapping indoor pipes if power loss is a concern.
• ⚠️ A weather impact alert is in effect for Saturday and Sunday, continuing into Monday with morning temperatures in the low 20s.