HOUSTON — The Arctic blast that brought freezing temperatures to Southeast Texas that led to hazardous road conditions Monday and early Tuesday. Many school districts, businesses, government offices, and services closed Tuesday but several districts have announced plans to reopen Wednesday.
The National Weather Service said Southeast Texas hit new record low temperatures for Jan. 16 as of 6 a.m.
The lows recorded were:
- 19 at Bush Intercontinental Airport (old record 22 in 1972)
- 21 at Hobby Airport (old record 25 in 2018)
- 17 in College Station (old record 19 in 2018)
- 21 in Palacios (old record 27 in 2018
Thankfully, sunshine warmed things up a bit and helped melt ice on most Houston-area overpasses and elevated roadways. However, Houston TranStar reports ice still covered parts of 290 and 249/Tomball Parkway tonight.
ROAD CONDITIONS: Check roadways for ice in Southeast Texas and around the state
Stay weather-smart. Get the KHOU 11 app to get alerts when severe weather watches and warnings are issued for your part of town. And we'll be live throughout the day on KHOU 11+, which you can get for free on Roku, Apple TV and Fire TV.
FULL FORECAST: Temperatures to stay below freezing through Wednesday
Active weather alerts
- There is a Hard Freeze Warning in effect until 10 a.m. Wednesday for all Southeast Texas.
What is a Hard Freeze Warning?
According to the NWS, a Hard Freeze Warning is issued when temperatures are expected to drop below 28 degrees for an extended period of time, killing most types of commercial crops and residential plants.
What is a Wind Chill Advisory?
According to the NWS, a Wind Chill Advisory is issued when seasonably cold wind chill values but not extremely cold values are expected or occurring. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.
What is a Wind Chill Warning?
According to the NWS, a Wind Chill Warning is issued when seasonably cold wind chill values but not extremely cold values are expected or occurring. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.
Latest updates
Fort Bend County to resume normal operations
The Office of Fort Bend County Judge KP George announces the renewal of normal operations starting on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
METRO will resume regular service Wednesday
- Local bus service will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
- METRO Park & Ride will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
- METRORail Red, Green and Purple lines will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
- All HOV/HOT lanes will resume normal hours of operations.
- METRORapid Silver Line will operate on reduced schedule with buses arriving every 25 minutes.
- METROLift customers can book trips as normal online through MACS-WEB or by calling 713-225-6716.
- METRO RideStores will follow normal business hours.
No weather-related carbon monoxide poisonings, HFD says
The Houston Fire Department said it received only eight calls about carbon monoxide overnight Monday and most were false alarms. There was one case where a closed chimney fluke caused one scare but no one there needed treatment.
During past freezes, carbon monoxide poisoning was blamed for multiple deaths in the Houston area.
Many school districts will open Wednesday
We're hearing from several Greater Houston-area school districts that plan to reopen Wednesday. They include HISD, Cy-Fair ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Katy ISD and Aldine ISD.
Here's the list of districts we've heard from so far. Check back for updates.
TDCJ reports no issues during freeze
Preventative maintenance was completed on heating systems before the Arctic blast arrived, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice said. They said all heating systems are fully functional plus all inmates received insulated jackets, thermals, and blankets.
Low water pressure in MUD #46
MUD #46 reports that the district is experiencing low water pressure Tuesday morning due to a frozen line. They said repairs should be made within three to four hours. Once the tank is full, the water pressure should be restored.
Hundreds of crashes since midnight
At 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, the Houston Police Department reported 580 crashes since midnight and more than 100 of them were ice-related.
HPD and city leaders continue to urge everyone to stay off the road unless absolutely necessary.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office reports an additional 279 crashes from midnight Monday to midnight Tuesday.
United Airlines says disruptions continue at Bush Airport
United sent the following update Tuesday morning.
"Severe winter weather conditions continue to disrupt our operations, including at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. We know our customers are eager to get to their destinations. Our teams at the airports and contact centers are working to best serve our customers under difficult conditions. We currently have waivers in place for customers traveling to, from or through Houston and other impacted cities.
Our operations team continues to monitor weather developments across the country and adjust our schedule accordingly. Customers may visit united.com to check their flight status and view the latest information. We encourage travelers to download our mobile app and use our Agent on Demand tool, which enables them bypass the line to speak with agents and get assistance via text, FaceTime or phone call."
City of Houston trash pickup two days behind schedule
The City of Houston's Solid Waste Management Department has adjusted residential collection services for the remainder of the week. Garbage collection and heavy tree waste services will run two days behind schedule through Saturday or Sunday, if necessary. Curbside recycling and yard waste collection services will be suspended for the remainder of the week through January 20, 2024 for B-Week residents.
Tuesday, January 16
All Solid Waste collections will be suspended, and all facilities will be closed due to the inclement weather
Wednesday, January 17
Monday's scheduled garbage routes will be serviced. The third Monday’s and third Tuesday’s heavy tree waste collection services will resume. (reminder: third Monday’s and third Tuesday’s recycling and tree waste services will be suspended.)
All Solid Waste Facilities including Neighborhood Depositories/Recycling Centers, and administrative offices will re-open.
Thursday, January 18
Tuesday’s scheduled garbage routes and third Wednesday’s heavy tree waste routes will be serviced.
Friday, January 19
Thursday’s scheduled garbage routes and third Thursday’s heavy tree waste collection routes will be serviced.
Saturday, January 20
Friday’s scheduled garbage routes and Friday’s heavy tree waste collection routes will be serviced.
Monday, January 22
Normal garbage, yard waste, curbside recycling, and tree waste schedules will resume.
For more information about SWMD and our services, visit www.houstonsolidwaste.org, download our app HTX Collects or call 311, the City of Houston’s Customer Service Helpline.
311 calls
Houston 311 said it received 3,368 calls on Monday, 108 of which related to the freeze.
Here's a breakdown of the calls they got between midnight and 6 p.m.:
- Water leak: 103 service requests
- Water service: 42 service requests
- Sewer wastewater: 32 service requests
- Traffic signal maintenance: 28 service requests
- Water main valve: 19 service requests
They said they got 108 freeze-related inquiries, 53 of which were for city-arranged transportation to a warming center.
During MLK Day 2023, there were only 2,787 calls.
Helpful links
Before the front moved in, residents were urged to make preparations days in advance, including winterizing their homes. Visit the Helpful Links section below for more on how to prepare.
- What you need to know to protect your home in a freeze
- How to protect your pipes from a freeze
- Protect your family from carbon monoxide dangers
- How to prepare your car for a freeze
- Five things to take out of your car during a freeze...and what to leave in it
- How to safely heat your home during a cold snap
- Warming centers opening up for people to get out of the cold
BARC closure
BARC Animal Shelter and Adoption Center will be closed to the public for all services on Tuesday.
Crashes across Houston
Houston Fire Department Chief Sam Peña said firefighters have responded to more than 200 vehicle crashes as of 6:30 p.m.
Harris County departments closure
All Harris County departments will be closed to the public on Tuesday in response to the winter weather and hard freeze. This means jury service for Tuesday is also canceled.
METRO services suspended
METRO is suspending its local bus and METRORapid services starting at 9 p.m. Monday in support of the city's request that residents avoid travel during freezing weather conditions.
METRORail will continue to operate its regular service at a reduced frequency on all lines. METROLift riders with scheduled trips will not be affected.
Passengers needing assistance can call or text Customer Service at 713-635-4000 to request a ride until 11 p.m. tonight. METRO supervisors will also drive along routes to ensure everyone makes it home safely.
Road closures
Ice is forming on bridges and roads across the Houston area. Check road closures here.
City of Houston Municipal Courts closed Tuesday
The City of Houston Municipal Courts will be closed on Tuesday. All normal court operations will resume on Wednesday, January 17. Resets will be given in person at all City of Houston court locations beginning on Wednesday, January 17 through Wednesday, January 24.
Additional warming centers
The Gallery Furniture on the North Freeway is opening as an emergency warming center on Monday and Tuesday. Not only will this serve as a warm place of refuge for those in need, but a free hot meal will be provided.
The Gallery Furniture is located at 6006 North Freeway, Houston, TX.
The Community Works CDC is also opening up as a warming center on Monday. The location is 7111 Homestead Road, Houston.
Southwest Freeway closure
The Southwest Freeway in Sugar Land is closing in both directions due to dangerous, icy conditions. The city did not say how long this closure is expected to last.
Mayor Whitmire update on city's response to cold weather
Mayor Whitmire gave an update on the city's response to the cold weather while visiting a warming center in Fifth Ward.
Watch the full update:
Houston warming centers opening earlier
The City of Houston said it was opening its warming center as early as 3 p.m. Monday due to the current conditions.
Initially, the warming centers were going to open at 8 p.m.
All of the warming centers will accept pets, but the pets are required to stay in kennels provided by BARC.
The City of Houston will offer free rides to these locations for anyone who needs assistance. To arrange for a free ride, call 311.
Houston, Texas road conditions
Overpasses along the Grand Parkway in Fort Bend County were due to icy road conditions on Monday. This included the connector ramps with the Katy Freeway and the Westpark Tollway. Ice has already been reported on roadways north and northwest of the Houston metro area.
Houston Transtar has also reported severe trouble spots.
ROAD CONDITIONS: Check roadways for ice in Southeast Texas and around the state
Check out our interactive traffic map to see trouble spots across the Houston area:
Ground stop at Bush IAH extended
Departures to Bush Airport are grounded because of weather. The ground stop lasts through 1:30 p.m.
Texas power grid conditions
ERCOT issued an appeal for Texans to conserve electricity again on Tuesday between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.
They said that's when the grid could get tight before the sun provides more solar power.
ERCOT issued a Weather Watch through Wednesday due to forecasted extreme cold across Texas, higher electrical demand, and the potential for lower reserves, according to an alert last week.
An ERCOT Weather Watch is an advance notification of forecasted significant weather with higher electrical demand and the potential for lower reserves.
ERCOT has a dashboard that allows you to monitor real-time grid conditions.
ERCOT is tracking the state of the grid, as well as the state of the operating reserve.
There are several more real-time monitors that you can check on ERCOT's site, including system-wide demand, solar, current prices, and more.
Ground stop at Bush IAH
Departures to Bush Airport are grounded because of weather. The ground stop lasts through 12:30 p.m.
Harris County urges residents to take precautions
On Saturday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, as well as Chief Laurie Christensen with the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office and Mark Sloan with the Harris County Office of Emergency Management discussed the county’s preparations for the deep freeze we expect to see in the Houston area.
Hidalgo said the county has been in contact with energy providers and ERCOT regarding supply. She said depending on grid conditions, there may be temporary calls to conserve energy to avoid rolling outages.
The county is also monitoring roadways for potentially dangerous conditions.
Watch the full update county leaders gave Saturday afternoon:
Texas prepares for extreme cold
Gov. Greg Abbott said on Friday that he wants Texans to be aware of what is coming this weekend. The governor added that he wanted to make sure that residents do not expose themselves to the cold temperatures in a way that would cost them their lives.
“The point being, when we get to the time periods that are going to be the coldest, the recommendation would be, if at all possible, for you to stay in your home or other locations. So you're not going outside exposing yourself to that cold temperature,” Abbott said during a briefing.
The governor also addressed concerns over the power grid.
“We feel very good about the status of the Texas power grid and ERCOT, too, to be able to effectively and successfully ensure that the power is going to stay on throughout the entirety of this winter storm episode,” the governor said.
Watch Gov. Greg Abbott's full press briefing here.
Houston warming centers
The City of Houston will open six warming centers beginning Monday at 8 p.m. Pets are allowed at the City of Houston warming centers but they may be required to stay in kennels provided by BARC.
In addition to the warming centers, the Star of Hope's Men's Development Center will be opening on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to offer shelter to those in need. The shelter will also be distributing hundreds of warm blankets.
The Women and Family Development Center at Star of Hope’s Cornerstone Community℠ is currently at capacity.
Star of Hope said it's in urgent need of all sizes of coats, new or gently used blankets, hats, gloves, and financial assistance to help continue the effort through the upcoming cold weather.
Fort Bend County warming centers
Fort Bend County is opening its libraries to serve as warming centers to accommodate those seeking shelter during the freezing temperatures.
List of libraries below:
- Albert George Branch Library, 9230 Gene Street, Needville, TX 77461 (281-238-2850)
- Cinco Ranch Branch Library, 2620 Commercial Ctr. Blvd., Katy, TX 77494 (281-395-1311)
- First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281-238-2800)
- Fulshear Branch Library, 1422 Eugene Heimann Cir, Richmond, TX 77469 (281-341-2718)
- George Memorial Library, 1001 Gulfview Drive, Richmond, TX 77469 (281-342-4455)
- Mamie George Library, 320 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 (281-238-2880)
- Mission Bend Library, 8421 Addicks Clodine Rd., Houston, TX 77083 (832-471-5900)
- Missouri City Library, 1530 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489 (281-238-2100)
- Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd., Missouri City, TX 77459 (281-238-2140)
- Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281-238-2140)
- University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281-633-5100)
- Willie Melton Law Library, 1422 Eugene Heimann Cir., Richmond, TX 77469 (281-341-3718)
In addition, Attack Poverty/Friends of North Rosenberg will stay open through Tuesday as a warming center from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The center will provide free WiFi, cots, blankets, and food.
Freeze Warning vs Freeze Watch
What is a Frost Advisory?
According to the NWS, a Frost Advisory is issued when areas of frost are expected or occurring, posing a threat to sensitive vegetation.
What is a Freeze Watch?
According to the NWS, a Freeze Watch is issued when there is a potential for significant, widespread freezing temperatures within the next 24-36 hours.
What is a Freeze Warning?
According to the NWS, a Freeze Warning is issued when temperatures are forecasted to go below 32°F for a long period of time. This temperature threshold kills some types of commercial crops and residential plants.
What is a Hard Freeze Warning?
According to the NWS, a Hard Freeze Warning is issued when temperatures are expected to drop below 28 degrees for an extended period of time, killing most types of commercial crops and residential plants.
What is a Wind Chill Advisory?
According to the NWS, a Wind Chill Advisory is issued when seasonably cold wind chill values but not extremely cold values are expected or occurring. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.
What is a Wind Chill Watch?
According to the NWS, a Wind Chill Watch is issued when dangerously cold wind chill values are possible. Adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day. Make sure your car has at least half a tank of gas, and update your winter survival kit.
What is a Wind Chill Warning?
According to the NWS, a Wind Chill Warning is issued when seasonably cold wind chill values but not extremely cold values are expected or occurring. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.