Winter storm warning for most of Tuesday

A winter storm warning is in effect from 3 a.m. Tuesday until 12 a.m. Wednesday for the following counties:

  • Austin
  • Brazos
  • Burleson
  • Colorado
  • Grimes
  • Harris
  • Houston
  • Liberty
  • Madison
  • Montgomery
  • Polk
  • San Jacinto
  • Trinity
  • Waller
  • Walker
  • Washington

A strong arctic cold front will push through southeast Texas on Monday night into Tuesday morning. Temperatures will be falling throughout the day on Tuesday with temperatures falling below freezing. Precipitation will be falling through the day with the possibility of pockets of heavier precipitation and bands. There will be a transition of precipitation going from rain to freezing rain to sleet and possibly snow. This change will occur as temperatures fall through the day. Greatest potential for ice accumulation and snow fall accumulation appears to be along and north of Interstate 10. The frozen precipitation will impact elevated surfaces like overpasses and bridges. Where temperatures are below freezing longer, impacts to roads are expected with icing. Precipitation will end from north to south late Tuesday so portions of the warning and advisory may be canceled early.

A winter weather advisory is in effect from 3 a.m. Tuesday until 12 a.m. Wednesday for the following southeast Texas coastal counties:

  • Brazoria
  • Chambers
  • Fort Bend
  • Galveston
  • Jackson
  • Matagorda
  • Wharton

Texas Governor Greg Abbott released the following statement on Monday eventing:

Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the State Operations Center (SOC) to elevate its readiness level from Level 4 (Normal Conditions) to Level 3 (Increased Readiness) at 8:00 p.m. today as winter weather and cold temperatures are expected to impact much of the state during the next few days. Additionally, Governor Abbott has made available any state resources needed to assist in dealing with the potential impacts of this winter weather system. Governor Abbott encourages Texans to monitor changing weather conditions and heed warnings from local officials.

The winter weather system sweeping across our state will bring low temperatures and freezing precipitation to many communities, which could create life-threatening situations, said Governor Abbott. I urge all Texans to exercise extreme caution in these hazardous conditions. Additionally, the State of Texas will provide any and all state resources necessary to help protect our residents during this weather event.

The Texas Emergency Management Council agencies reporting to the SOC tonight include:

  •  Texas Department of Public Safety
  •  Texas Department of Transportation
  •  Texas A&M Forest Service
  •  Texas Military Department
  •  Texas Department of State Health Services
  •  Texas Public Utility Commission
  •  Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Red Cross/Salvation Army)

According to current forecasts, many parts of Texas are expected to experience wintery precipitation this week, including light snow accumulations, freezing rain, and icy conditions.

A gale warning is in effect from 12 p.m. Tuesday until 9 a.m. Wednesday for coastal waters.

The American Red Cross will open a warming center on Monday night for anyone who may be impacted by the arctic cold front with freezing conditions, including freezing rain, expected to move into the Houston area in the early morning hours. The shelter will operate from 8 p.m. Monday until 8 a.m. Tuesday at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church on 2801 Conti Street, Houston, TX 77020.