Live updates: Houston winter storm latest, Saturday timeline, icy roads
HOUSTON - Houston is bracing for a weekend winter storm that brings the risk of freezing temperatures, dangerous wind chills and icy road conditions.
Here are the latest updates on the forecast, what people need to do to prepare and the steps state and local leaders are taking ahead of the storm.
Watch live:
FOX 26 will bring you the latest updates on the winter storm, what you need to do to prepare and how local and state officials are getting ready. Watch in the live player above or on the free FOX Local app for your smart TV and phone.
LIVE UPDATES: Houston winter storm
1:37 p.m.
"In anticipation of the need for State resources, Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy has issued a Disaster Declaration for Polk County in response to the forecasted ice storm. County officials will continue to monitor winter weather conditions and address the needs of the public as the situation develops. The Declaration of Disaster can be viewed on the Polk County Emergency Management website and Facebook page.
Residents are urged to complete all preparations by this afternoon. Please remain at the location where you plan to stay for the duration of the storm, as hazardous road conditions are expected."
Latest winter storm timeline
Houston weather: Jan. 24 Noon winter storm update
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will begin dropping late Saturday evening, with heavy rain expected to transition into winter precipitation early Sunday.
12:30 p.m. Update
CenterPoint has mobilized 4,000 workers to staging sites in north Houston, where the heaviest ice and wind impacts are expected. Residents are urged to stay off the roads from Saturday night through Monday as freezing rain makes travel hazardous.
Widespread power outages are possible, and the utility warns the public to stay at least 35 feet away from any downed lines.
Houston winter storm: Drone video shows CenterPoint crews staging ahead of storm
Dozens of vehicles that are part of CenterPoint's staging efforts ahead of the Houston winter storm are seen on Saturday before the storm begins.
Harris Health to close all outpatient clinics through Monday due to winter storm
12 p.m. Update
Fort Bend County is under a winter storm warning and operating at Readiness Level 3 as officials brace for a quarter-inch of ice and subfreezing temperatures through Tuesday morning. Emergency Management Coordinator Greg Babst warned that travel may become "nearly impossible," particularly on bridges and overpasses, and urged residents to stay off the roads beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday.
Citizens are encouraged to track road closures via the county’s emergency app or contact the non-emergency line for resources.
Houston winter storm: Fort Bend County officials prepare for icy weather
Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George and other officials discussed how the county is preparing for the winter storm that's expected to hit Saturday night through Sunday.
If you don't absolutely need to be on the roads, please plan ahead and be off the roads before sunset today. Additionally, emergency generators and county facilities, including the jail and all EMS locations have been serviced and ready if needed, officials stated.
10 a.m.
A winter storm warning remains in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday until 6 p.m. Sunday. Significant icing is expected with ice accumulations between 1/10" to 3/10". Light sleet accumulations are possible. The warning is for the following counties: Liberty, Colorado, Austin, Waller, Harris, Wharton, Fort Bend, Jackson.
The National Weather Service says power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible.
9 a.m.
Houston weather: Freezing rain, sleet, snow possible
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 35 by 5pm. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Storms are rolling into Southeast Texas this morning along the leading edge of colder air. Saturday afternoon will bring more scattered showers near and south of I-10. But north of I-10 some sleet could start to mix in with the rain as temperatures will be falling from north to south throughout the day.
A strong Arctic front is expected to push through midday to late Saturday and all day Sunday, bringing a dramatic and rapid drop in temperatures along with gusty north winds.
The timing of when temperatures fall below freezing still varies across computer models, but the coldest air and highest ice risk will arrive late Saturday night and Sunday morning, ending Sunday afternoon.
Temperatures will likely fall sharply late Saturday night and remain near freezing all day Sunday with a major concern for ice accumulation Sunday morning. Some light snow is possible midday followed by clearing and colder air.
Have a way to get updates
Watch live coverage on your phone
With severe winter weather on the way this weekend, you should have a way to get important updates if the power goes out.
The FOX LOCAL app will allow you to stay up to date with livestreams, the latest forecasts, news stories and weather alerts in real time, all from your mobile phone or tablet.
Get county emergency alerts
You can also sign up to get alerts sent to your phone from your county’s emergency office.
Houston school closures
Several Houston-area school districts have opted to stay closed on Monday. The list includes Houston ISD, Spring ISD, Aldine ISD, Katy ISD, Cy-Fair ISD and many more.
Track icy road conditions
If the roads are icy, the best thing you can do is stay home. If you must drive in inclement weather, allow additional time to reach your destination and share your travel plans with a friend or family member, so someone knows the route you’re taking.
- Live Map: Check real-time Houston road conditions and closures.
- Safety: Read our winter driving guide.
How to check, report power outages
Eyes are on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas and the state's power grid ahead of this weekend's winter storm. ERCOT said earlier this week that it expects ample supply to meet power demands this winter.
Locally, CenterPoint Energy and Entergy Texas have both said that they have made preparations ahead of the winter storm and have resources in place to respond to potential restoration efforts.
Shelters and warming centers
If you need a place to warm up, city and county officials will open warming centers once the temperatures drop.
Protect the 4 Ps
As the winter storm bears down on Houston, it’s important to protect the four P’s: Pipes, Pets, Plants, and People.
Make sure you have enough food, water and medication in case you can’t leave your home for a few days.
Also, make sure you are heating your home safely and not creating a fire or carbon monoxide danger.
The Source: Forecast information in this article comes from the FOX 26 weather team. Information on how to prepare, and important resources comes from various state and local officials.