Winter Weather Alert: Houston Area Under Warning
A winter storm warning and extreme cold warning have been issued for the greater Houston area, effective from Saturday evening to Sunday evening. The National Weather Service has forecasted sub-freezing temperatures and negative wind chills north of Interstate 10.
Winter Storm Warning
From 6 p.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday, a wide swath of Southeast Texas will be under a winter storm warning. This means a heavy mix of rain and icy precipitation is expected, with total ice accumulations up to two-tenths of an inch. The winter storm warning will apply to Harris, Fort Bend, Austin, Colorado, Liberty, Waller, and Wharton counties.
Extreme Cold Warning
All of the aforementioned counties, along with Galveston and Montgomery counties and much of Southeast Texas and South Central Texas, will be under an extreme cold warning from 6 p.m. Saturday through noon Monday. Wind chills as low as negative-5 degrees are forecasted for inland areas, with temperatures as low as 10 degrees in coastal areas.
Preparing for the Winter Weather
Temperatures will start to fall on Saturday evening, bringing a forecasted low of 31 degrees in Houston on Saturday night. Sunday and Monday night are both expected to have lows of 20 degrees. Areas north of I-10 have the potential for even lower temperatures. Eric Berger, a Houston meteorologist, said that the arrival of the coldest temperatures has been pushed to later in the weekend compared to earlier forecasts.
Travel and Road Conditions
Berger warned that the bigger issue is Sunday morning, as some of the rain that falls may be freezing, especially for areas like Northwest Harris County, Waller County, Austin County, and Montgomery County. Part of the Houston metro area could get above freezing on Sunday afternoon, but there is still the potential for a refreeze heading into Monday. Roads may remain icy, especially in shadowed areas, bridges, and overpasses.
School Closures and Emergency Preparations
Several Houston-area school districts have announced Monday closures ahead of the incoming winter storm. CenterPoint has also activated its emergency operations center to prepare for the weekend freeze. The National Weather Service’s Houston/Galveston office is forecasting precipitation for Saturday and Sunday, with a funnel system bringing rain and isolated thunderstorms.
Conclusion
The winter storm warning and extreme cold warning are serious alerts that require attention and preparation. Residents in the affected areas should take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm during the cold weather. This includes checking on vulnerable neighbors, protecting pets and plants, and being cautious when traveling. By staying informed and taking the necessary steps, Houstonians can weather the storm and stay safe until the temperatures rise again.
