Freezing Weather Expected in Houston; City and County Prepare for Potential Snow and Ice
The Houston region is bracing for frigid weather, with temperatures expected to dip below freezing on Sunday night and potentially snow and ice on Monday and Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to get into the 20s, with a likelihood of snow on Monday night and Tuesday morning.
"Monday is going to be cold," said Houston Public Media meteorologist Frank Billingsley. "Tuesday is going to be a little colder."
The expected low temperature for Tuesday night is 24, and things are expected to thaw on Wednesday, with a forecasted high of 44 and a low of 34.
"We could very well see a hard freeze throughout much of Houston, which is temperatures of 25 degrees or lower," said Space City Weather editor Eric Berger.
City and County Preparations
The City of Houston and Harris County are monitoring for potential precipitation, with the Texas Department of Transportation preparing to treat bridges and high connector ramps this weekend. The city advises residents to stay off the roads starting Sunday afternoon.
Homeless outreach teams will be taking to the streets to prepare Houston’s unhoused population for the freezing weather, with over 3,000 people experiencing homelessness in the city of Houston at any given time.
"Our teams are going to be out in the field in the coming days, letting people know that this freeze event is coming up," said Catherine Villarreal, vice president of public affairs at the Coalition for the Homeless, which is among several organizations prepping unsheltered Houstonians for the cold.
Health and Safety Tips
Neil Gandhi, assistant medical director at the emergency department at Houston Methodist Hospital, warned that when the temperatures dip below 30 degrees, people get exposed to wind chill, frostbite, and hypothermia. Those outside for prolonged periods are more at risk.
"Hypothermia can lead to pain, swelling, and infection," Gandhi said. "In severe cases, hypothermia can lead to amputations. Unfortunately, during these prolonged cold snaps, we do see cases every year."
Gandhi advises covering up, with multiple layers of clothing, jackets, and extremities covered.
Pet and Home Safety
Cold weather can be dangerous for pets, with Billingsley advising: "If you don’t want to sleep out there, neither do they. So, bring your pets in and protect your vegetation."
Outdoors, plants may need to be covered or brought inside to avoid frost damage. For homes, pipes running outside or under a house should be wrapped in pipe insulation to avoid cracks due to water freezing inside and expanding.
Warming Centers and Shelters
The YMCA of Greater Houston is making all of its locations available as warming centers, starting on Monday. The City of Houston will open 10 warming centers at 6 p.m. Sunday to provide shelter from the incoming freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the expected low temperature for Tuesday night?
A: 24
Q: What is the expected high temperature for Tuesday?
A: 35
Q: What is the likelihood of snow on Monday and Tuesday?
A: High
Q: What are the warming centers and shelters available?
A: See list above
Q: What is the best way to stay safe in the cold weather?
A: Cover up, stay dry, and limit exposure to the elements
Q: How can I help the homeless population during this freeze?
A: Donate to local organizations, volunteer at shelters, and spread awareness about the issue
Q: Can I stay off the roads?
A: Yes, the city advises staying off the roads starting Sunday afternoon
Q: What if I refuse to go to a shelter?
A: Officials are working to persuade individuals to seek shelter, but it is ultimately voluntary.
