Texas Winter Storm: Houston Prepares for Ice and Extreme Cold

Winter Storm Watch Issued for Houston

• ⚠️ A winter storm watch has been issued for the Houston area, effective Saturday through Monday afternoon, with potential for light to moderate icing.
• 🧊 The watch covers much of the area, with only Matagorda, Brazoria, and Galveston counties currently excluded, and may be expanded further south.

Timeline and Temperature Forecast

• 🗓️ The coldest air is expected to shift forward, with Saturday mainly being a cold rain and temperatures potentially dropping below freezing Saturday night into Sunday morning.
• 🌡️ Highs are expected to be in the mid-70s for the next two days, contrasting sharply with expected daytime temperatures in the 30s on Sunday, with some areas staying below freezing.
• 🥶 Overnight temperatures will be a significant concern, with a hard freeze likely from Saturday night through Monday.

City of Houston Preparations

• 🏠 The City of Houston is implementing an "all hands on deck" effort, urging residents to prepare their homes now by wrapping exterior pipes and stocking up on groceries.
• 🆘 Twelve warming shelters will be opened, including the Fondy Recreation Center, and plans are underway to assist the homeless population.
• 🛣️ Houston Public Works will pre-treat bridges and overpasses susceptible to freezing with a brine solution and have trucks ready to spread sand.

Potential Impacts and Recommendations

• ⚡ While widespread power outages are not anticipated, ice accumulation on transmission lines could make it difficult to supply power to the city.
• 💧 Residents are advised not to drip water faucets and to consider shutting off and draining pipes if concerned about bursting.
• 🚦 The city advises staying off the roads if not essential, as bridges and overpasses will be treated 24 hours in advance.

Energy Grid and Utility Preparedness

• ⚡ ERCOT has issued a new winter weather watch, indicating a higher electrical demand and potential for low reserves, though grid conditions are expected to be normal.
• 🔌 CenterPoint has activated its emergency operations center to prepare for service impacts on both electric and natural gas customers.