Winter Weather Warnings: Houston and Surrounding Areas Prepare for Freezing Temperatures and Snowfall

AP Photo/David J. Phillip

FILE: A man peers out from under a blanket while trying to stay warm in below freezing temperatures Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, in Houston.

Houston ISD and several other school districts in the region are calling off classes Tuesday and Wednesday because of the approaching winter weather.

HISD, Texas’ largest school district with about 175,000 students, announced the upcoming closures on Sunday. Campuses already were set to be closed Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The district said it planned to make a determination about Thursday’s schedule by noon Wednesday.

Freezing temperatures are expected Monday night, most of Tuesday, and Wednesday morning, along with between 3-5 inches of snowfall across the Houston metro area. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning from 6 p.m. Monday through 6 p.m. Tuesday and says roads in the region likely will become slick and hazardous.

METRO, the region’s public transit provider, is suspending all services at 9 p.m. Monday. There will be no bus or HOV lane service Tuesday, when METRO’s rail lines are expected to have modified operations.

Houston’s Solid Waste Management Department said it will run two days behind schedule through Sunday for garbage and heavy trash pickup. Curbside recycling, tree waste, and yard waste collection is suspended for the rest of the week.

Texas grocery store chain H-E-B is modifying its operating hours for all its Houston-area locations as well as Central Market, Joe V’s Smart Shop, and Mi Tienda stores. They will close at 10 p.m. Monday and reopen at 10 a.m. Tuesday, the company announced.

The Houston Food Bank will be closed Tuesday.

Other School Districts and Institutions

Aldine ISD, Alief ISD, Brazosport ISD, Channelview ISD, Clear Creek ISD, Cleveland ISD, Conroe ISD, Crosby ISD, Cy-Fair ISD, Deer Park ISD, Dickinson ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Friendswood ISD, Galena Park ISD, Galveston ISD, Goose Creek ISD, Humble ISD, Katy ISD, Klein ISD, La Porte ISD, Lamar CISD, Magnolia ISD, Montgomery ISD, Pasadena ISD, Pearland ISD, Santa Fe ISD, Spring ISD, Spring Branch ISD, Stafford MSD, Tomball ISD, Waller ISD, and Willis ISD are among the other local school districts to announce closures on Tuesday and Wednesday. So have IDEA Public Schools in Houston, KIPP Texas-Houston schools, and the schools and offices operated by the Harris County Department of Education.

Other Impacted Institutions

Houston Community College announced Sunday that all its in-person and online classes Tuesday have been cancelled. Rice University, the University of Houston, and UH’s campuses in Katy and Sugar Land will be closed Tuesday as well, while UH-Downtown campuses will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Both Lone Star College and Galveston College will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Airports, hospitals, and government offices also are being impacted by the incoming winter weather. All Tuesday flights to and from Bush Intercontinental Airport, Hobby Airport, and Ellington Airport have been suspended, the Houston Airport System said Sunday.

Warming Centers and Shelters

While much of the region prepares to close down, warming centers will be open across the area for residents to seek respite from the cold.

The Tom Bass Community Center, 15108 Cullen Blvd., is operating as a 24-hour shelter managed by the American Red Cross from 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Finnigan Community Center (4900 Providence St.) and Lincoln Park Community Center (979 Grenshaw St.) will open as warming centers from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. The Bayland Community Center (6400 Bissonnet St.), Burnett Bayland Community Center (6026 Chimney Rock Rd.), and Radack Community Center (18650 Clay Rd.) will serve as warming centers from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

Additionally, the City of Houston will open 10 warming centers at 6 p.m. Sunday. Here are the locations:

• Acres Homes Multi-Service Center at 6719 W. Montgomery Rd.
• Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center at 6402 Market St.
• Fonde Community Center at 110 Sabine St.
• Kashmere Multi-Service Center at 4802 Lockwood Dr.
• Magnolia Multi-Service Center at 7037 Capitol St.
• Sunnyside Multi-Service Center at 4410 Reed Rd.
• Moody Community Center at 3725 Fulton St.
• Metropolitan Multi-Service Center at 1475 W. Gray St.
• Northeast Multi-Service Center at 9720 Spaulding St.
• Southwest Multi-Service Center at 6400 High Star Dr.

The YMCA of Greater Houston is opening its locations as warming centers on Monday, from the time they normally open until 4 p.m. All locations will be closed Tuesday and are expected to reopen no earlier than noon Wednesday.

Conclusion

The incoming winter weather is expected to bring significant disruptions to daily life in the Houston area. Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, including stocking up on supplies, staying safe while traveling, and seeking warmth at local warming centers. Stay tuned for updates on the latest weather forecast and road conditions.

FAQs

Q: What school districts are closing due to the winter weather?
A: Houston ISD, along with several other school districts in the region, will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Q: Are there any major events or institutions affected by the winter weather?
A: Yes, many institutions, including schools, airports, hospitals, and government offices, are experiencing disruptions due to the winter weather.

Q: Where can I find warming centers in the area?
A: The City of Houston will open 10 warming centers on Sunday, and various community centers and organizations will also be providing shelter and warmth to residents in need.

Q: How can I stay safe during the winter weather?
A: Take necessary precautions, including staying indoors, dressing warmly, and avoiding travel during the worst of the weather.

Q: What should I do if I lose power or water service?
A: Prepare ahead of time by stocking up on supplies, and report any outages to your utility providers. Stay safe and warm!