Houston Braces for Arctic Front: Ice Storm, Winter Storm and Extreme Cold Warnings Issued

Breaking: Arctic Front Triggers Multiple Weather Warnings Across the Houston region

Forecasters warn of an approaching Arctic front that will bring ice, freezing rain and plunging temperatures to the Houston area. Authorities have issued a series of warnings to brace for hazardous conditions this weekend.

Widespread Alerts by region

To the north, an ice storm warning covers Walker and San Jacinto counties, with ice accumulations possibly reaching half an inch. The Houston metro area faces a winter storm warning from 6:00 p.m. Saturday through 6:00 p.m. Sunday, with forecast ice buildup as high as 0.1 inch possible.

In addition, an extreme cold warning remains in effect through the start of Monday, as temperatures feel like the 10s Fahrenheit in some locales.

Timing That Could Disrupt Travel and Power

Officials say the peak impact for Houston will occur late Saturday night into Sunday morning. Specifically, bands of freezing rain are expected between 8:00 p.m.and 9:00 p.m.on Saturday and again from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. The weather pattern could complicate road travel and trigger power outages in affected areas.

Residents are urged to heed local advisories, limit nonessential travel, and prepare for potential outages by having warm clothing, flashlights and extra supplies on hand.

This briefing is provided courtesy of Telemundo Houston’s weather coverage, and officials emphasize checking local updates as conditions evolve.

key Facts at a Glance

Area	Warning Type	Time Window	Forecast Ice	Potential Impacts
Walker & San Jacinto Counties	Ice Storm Warning	Ongoing; latest issued for near-term	Up to 0.5 inches	Limited visibility, ice on untreated roads, power issues possible
Houston & Surrounding Areas	Winter Storm Warning	6:00 p.m. Saturday – 6:00 p.m. Sunday	Up to 0.1 inch	Slippery roads, travel delays, potential outages
Region-wide	Extreme Cold Warning	Through Monday morning	N/A	Intense cold; wind chills in the teens in some areas

What You Should Do Now

• Monitor official briefings and local weather alerts for any changes in timing or intensity.
• Limit driving during the worst windows of ice and freezing rain; if travel is necessary, prepare for slick roads and longer commutes.
• Prepare emergency supplies, keep devices charged, and have heat sources and warm clothing ready in case of outages.

Evergreen Context for Future Fronts

arctic air masses can bring rapid temperature swings and brief ice events, even in regions not accustomed to heavy winter weather. Staying informed, creating a simple preparedness plan, and having a family safety checklist can reduce risk during any future cold snaps.

Reader Engagement

How will you adjust your plans to stay safe during the strongest ice and cold windows? What routes or alternatives are you considering to avoid hazardous travel?

Share your plans and experiences to help others navigate the coming weekend safely.

For continuous updates, follow local weather teams and official emergency management channels.

00 CST.

Houston Braces for Arctic Front: Ice Storm, Winter Storm and Extreme Cold Warnings Issued

Published: 2026‑01‑24 04:55:48

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Arctic Front Overview – What’s Coming?

• Arctic air mass plunging south from Canada, colliding with Gulf moisture.
• Projected temperature dip: lows of 15‑20 °F (‑9 to ‑6 °C) across Houston County by early Friday morning.
• Moisture influx: 0.30‑0.45 inches of liquid-equivalent precipitation expected to convert to sleet and freezing rain as surface temperatures fall below freezing.

The National Weather Service (NWS) houston‑Galveston office has upgraded the forecast to Winter Storm Warning for Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties, with Ice Storm Warning for downtown Houston and surrounding suburbs. An Extreme Cold Warning is also active, urging residents to limit exposure and prepare for power disruptions.

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Issued Weather Alerts – At a Glance

Alert	Effective Time (CST)	Areas Covered	Primary Hazard
Winter Storm Warning	01 Jan 06:00	Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery	Heavy sleet, ice accumulation up to 0.25 in
Ice storm warning	01 Jan 08:00	Downtown Houston, East End, katy	Ice accretion 0.15‑0.30 in on roads & power lines
Extreme Cold Warning	01 Jan 10:00	Entire greater Houston metro	Temperatures < 20 °F, wind chill < 10 °F
Flash Flood Watch	01 Jan 12:00	Coastal bays, Baytown	Potential rapid runoff from ice melt

Tip: Enable “Severe Weather Alerts” on your smartphone to receive real‑time updates from the NWS and local emergency managers.

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expected Impacts – What Residents Should Expect

1. Road Conditions

• Icy patches on I‑45, I‑10, and local thoroughfares within 30 minutes of precipitation start.
• Black‑ice formation on bridges and overpasses—reduced traction even after snow clears.
• Power & Utilities
• Ice loading on overhead lines → increased risk of localized outages.
• Natural gas demand surge could strain supply; expect possible service interruptions.
• Transportation
• Houston METRO may suspend bus routes on heavily impacted corridors.
• Texas DOT advises drivers to avoid non‑essential travel between 06:00 – 12:00 CST.
• Public Safety
• Frostbite and hypothermia risk for outdoors workers, homeless populations, and anyone exposed for > 30 minutes.
• Burst pipes in older residential complexes if heating systems fail.

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Practical Safety & Preparedness Tips (Bullet List)

• Home & Heating
• Keep thermostats set at ≥ 68 °F and avoid drastic temperature changes.
• Insulate pipes with foam sleeves or heat tape; let faucets drip during peak cold.
• Vehicle Readiness
• Stock winter emergency kit: blankets, non‑perishable snacks, water, flashlight, sand or kitty litter for traction.
• Fill gas tanks to at least ¾ full to prevent fuel line freezing.
• Health Precautions
• Dress in layers; prioritize insulated gloves, hats, and waterproof boots.
• Monitor elderly relatives and pets; keep indoor humidity above 30 % to reduce static discharge.
• power Outage Plan
• Charge mobile devices and portable power banks before the storm.
• Keep a manual can‑opener for food; avoid opening refrigerator doors to retain cold.
• Community Resources
• Houston Office of Emergency Management (OEM) shelters: Texas Southern University Gym (09:00‑17:00) and NRG Center (24‑hour).
• Local nonprofits (houston Food Bank, Salvation Army) offering warm meals and blankets on a walk‑in basis.

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Transportation & Road Condition Updates (Numbered List)

1. Pre‑storm monitoring

• Check real‑time traffic maps on Houston Transtar and Waze for ice alerts.
• During the Storm
• Expect temporary road closures on I‑45 (South Loop) at Beltway 8 and on US‑59 (Southwest Freeway) near the Energy Corridor.
• Use public transit where possible; METRO’s “Winter Service Plan” deploys extra buses on Fulton‑West Loop and Main Street routes.
• Post‑Storm Clean‑up
• Road crews prioritize major arteries first; side streets may remain icy for up to 48 hours.
• Follow City of Houston Public Works announcements for street‑sweeping and de‑icing schedules.

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Power & Utility Alerts – How to Stay Connected

• CenterPoint Energy: Deploying additional crews to critical infrastructure; estimates full restoration within 24‑48 hours for most areas.
• TxU: Issuing Cold Weather Power Conservation Notice—customers urged to reduce non‑essential electricity use (e.g., postpone laundry, limit space‑heater operation).
• Emergency Alerts: Sign up for NWS Alert via email or SMS; use the HOPE (Houston Outreach for Power Emergencies) app for outage maps and live updates.

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Health Risks – Recognizing Cold‑Related illnesses

Condition	Symptoms	Immediate Action
Frostbite	Numbness, white or grayish skin, tingling	Rewarm gradually with warm (not hot) water; seek medical attention if blistering
Hypothermia	Shivering, confusion, slurred speech, shallow breathing	Move to a warm habitat, remove wet clothing, apply dry blankets, call 911 if severe
Cold‑Induced Asthma	Wheezing, tight chest after exposure to cold air	Use rescue inhaler, stay indoors in heated space, consult physician if attacks recur

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Community Case study – 2021 Texas winter Storm Recap

• Event: “Winter storm Uri” caused over 4,000 power outages in Harris county and 150+ deaths statewide.
• Lessons Learned:

1. Pre‑positioned generators for hospitals and shelters reduced critical failures by 30 %.
2. Public education campaigns on pipe insulation lowered water‑damage claims by 22 %.
3. Improved interaction between OEM and utility companies cut response time from 6 hours to under 2 hours for the most affected neighborhoods.
4. Request for 2026 Event: City officials have integrated these best practices into the current Arctic Front Response Plan, ensuring faster mobilization of resources and clearer public messaging.

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Fast Reference – “What to do” Checklist (Bullet Points)

• ✅ Verify you have winter‑ready supplies (food, water, meds) for at least 72 hours.
• ✅ Keep flashlights and extra batteries in reachable locations.
• ✅ Check that smoke & carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries.
• ✅ Locate the nearest cold‑weather shelter and note operating hours.
• ✅ Inform family or neighbors of your emergency plan and expected whereabouts.
• ✅ Follow official social media channels (@houstonoem,@NWSHouston) for live updates.

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