Houston winter storm watch: Timeline, weekend forecast, ice chances, live updates
HOUSTON - A winter storm will bring freezing temperatures and the potential for icy conditions to Houston this weekend.
Here's the latest on the timing of the storm, the impacts and just how cold it could get.
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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.
Have weather questions? Click here to submit them to our meteorologists.
Houston weather: Winter storm severity, timeline for Saturday
During the 2021 freeze, temperatures got down to the teens, but for this winter weather will stick more in the 20s for the Houston-area. We'll have rain move through Saturday followed by the significant temperature drop which will cause some sleet and ice.
Before the winter storm
Today will hold on to mild and humid conditions across Southeast Texas with clouds, showers, and periods of rain ahead of the incoming arctic front. Showers will be scattered as Gulf moisture remains in place.
Highs will generally stay in the 60s. Heavier rain could arrive overnight tonight and storms are likely Saturday morning along the leading edge of colder air.
Timeline: Arctic blast arrives Saturday into Sunday
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 National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch and an Extreme Cold Watch for much of Southeast Texas, including the greater Houston area, highlighting the potential for freezing rain, sleet, and dangerously cold air as the front undercuts lingering moisture.
The exact timing of when temperatures fall below freezing still varies across computer models, but the coldest air and highest ice risk will arrive Saturday night, Sunday and Monday morning.
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.
Impacts: Ice threat and dangerous cold
The biggest concern will be the overlap of moisture and sub-freezing temperatures on Sunday, which may lead to freezing rain and sleet, especially on elevated roadways, bridges, and overpasses. Hazardous travel conditions are possible on roads and major airport delays and cancellations should be expected. Ice accumulations of a few tenths of an inch can make roads slick, and local power outages are possible where ice burdens trees and lines. If accumulations are lower, an icy glaze would be the main issue.
Finally, wind chills are forecast to be dangerously low, potentially dropping into the single digits to teens on Sunday and early Monday. This kind of cold can cause hypothermia quickly and may rupture water pipes if not protected.
Houston winter storm questions: Travel forecast, storm aftermath, and more
FOX 26 meteorologist Remeisha Shade answers viewer questions about the upcoming winter weather this weekend as of Thursday, Jan. 22.
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Get county emergency alerts
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Protect the 4 Ps
Houston winter storm safety: Avoiding fire, carbon monoxide dangers
Houston Fire Department Senior Captain Raul Reyes offers some tips to safely heat your home during the winter storm.
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.
Shelters and warming centers
If you need a place to warm up, city and county officials will open warming centers once the temperatures drop.
Track icy road conditions
Texas winter storm: TxDOT preparations for roads
TxDOT crews began treating roadways in Texas on Wednesday and the operation will continue through the weather event. Officials are urging all Texans affected by the winter storm to avoid the roadways
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
Texas winter storm: Gov. Abbott issues disaster declaration ahead of storm
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 134 counties as a severe winter storm threatens the state with life-threatening cold and ice starting Friday evening. State officials guarantee the Texas power grid is stable and prepared for record demand, though localized outages remain possible due to ice and falling tree branches. Travelers are urged to stay off the roads to allow emergency crews and TxDOT plows to work; warming centers are opening statewide for those who lose heat.
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.
The Source: Foreast information comes from the FOX 26 weather team. Information on preparations and how to monitor conditions come from various state and local offices.