Winter Storm Closures: Houston-Area Schools Closed on Monday
Houston ISD and other school districts across the area have announced closures on Monday, January 26, in anticipation of a winter storm expected to reach the region late Saturday or early Sunday. The storm is forecasted to bring freezing temperatures as well as precipitation, which would lead to icy road conditions.
Reasons for Closure
Meteorologists are forecasting a significant risk of an ice storm beginning late Saturday, possibly through Sunday and into Monday morning. This will create hazardous travel conditions for students, staff, and families, combined with dangerously low temperatures. Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles said, "We understand that families need time to plan and prepare in an effort to be proactive and to prioritize the wellbeing of our community. The district leadership team and I have made the decision to close Monday out of an abundance of caution."
Previous Experience
In January 2024, Miles regretted closing schools for a winter storm and told an advisory committee at the time that he should have kept the schools open and said he "won’t make the same mistake again." However, this time, the district has decided to err on the side of caution due to the forecasted hazardous conditions.
Affected Schools and Districts
Several school districts have announced closures, including:
- Conroe ISD
- Cy-Fair ISD
- Fort Bend ISD
- Humble ISD
- Katy ISD
- Spring Branch ISD
- Tomball ISD
- Harmony Public Schools
All Harris County Department of Education facilities will also be closed on Monday.
University and College Closures
The University of Houston has announced that it will be closed on Sunday and Monday due to the expected hazardous winter weather conditions. The closure extends to the university’s satellite campuses in Katy and Sugar Land. Houston City College will also close all its facilities from Saturday through Monday.
Galveston County School Districts
All Galveston County school districts will be closed on Monday due to potential winter weather. Galveston ISD said a decision regarding returning to school on Tuesday will be made by Sunday afternoon.
Checking for Updates
School leaders across the region are urging parents to check their districts’ websites, social media channels, and the communications app ParentSquare for the latest updates on their children’s schools. Houston ISD encouraged families to monitor its YouTube page, HISDNow, as well as HoustonISD.org and the district’s social media pages.
List of Closed Schools
The following schools and districts will be closed on Monday:
- Aldine ISD
- Alief ISD
- Brazosport ISD
- Clear Creek ISD
- Crosby ISD
- Conroe ISD
- Cy-Fair ISD
- Dayton ISD
- Dickinson ISD
- Friendswood ISD
- Fort Bend ISD
- Harmony Public Schools
- Hitchcock ISD
- Houston ISD
- Humble ISD
- Katy ISD
- KIPP Charter Schools
- La Porte ISD
- Montgomery ISD
- Needville ISD
- Pearland ISD
- Presbyterian School
- Royal ISD
- Santa Fe ISD
- Southwest Public Schools
- Spring Branch ISD
- Texas City ISD
- The Woodlands Christian Academy
- Tomball ISD
- Waller ISD
- Yes Prep Schools
Plans for Tuesday
Texas City ISD anticipates students and staff returning to school on Tuesday, while Friendswood ISD will continue monitoring weather conditions and communicate about whether the school will be open again on Tuesday no later than noon on Monday.
Conclusion
The winter storm forecasted to hit the Houston area has led to the closure of several schools and districts on Monday. Parents and students are advised to check their districts’ websites and social media channels for updates on school closures and to prioritize their safety during the hazardous weather conditions. As the situation develops, schools will provide updates on their plans for Tuesday and beyond.
