Full Breakdown
Houston Faces Severe Winter Storm and Extreme Cold
1/25/2026, 8:53:00 PM
Overview of the Winter Storm
A significant winter storm has impacted the Houston area, bringing freezing temperatures, icy conditions, and hazardous travel. The National Weather Service has issued multiple warnings, including a Winter Storm Warning and an Extreme Cold Warning, effective from Saturday evening through Monday morning. These alerts highlight the potential for freezing rain, sleet, and dangerously low wind chills.
Key Weather Alerts
The National Weather Service has categorized the warnings as follows:
- Winter Storm Warning: In effect for Harris, Liberty, Waller, Fort Bend, Austin, Colorado, Grimes, Montgomery, Washington, and Wharton counties, indicating significant winter weather events.
- Extreme Cold Warning: Applicable to the entire Houston area, warning of dangerously low temperatures and wind chills, with actual temperatures expected to drop into the teens and wind chills potentially reaching as low as -5 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Ice Storm Warning: For counties including Trinity, Polk, Walker, and San Jacinto, predicting ice accumulations between two-tenths of an inch and half an inch, which could lead to power outages and tree damage.
Current Conditions and Impacts
As of Sunday morning, temperatures have plummeted, with many areas experiencing icy roads and dangerous conditions. Reports indicate that bridges and overpasses are particularly susceptible to freezing, creating hazardous travel situations. Local authorities, including the Harris County Sheriff's Office, have advised residents to avoid travel unless necessary.
Power outages have also been reported, with CenterPoint Energy indicating that approximately 2,000 customers were without power due to weather-related issues. The utility company has mobilized a workforce of over 3,300 to restore services.
School and Business Closures
In response to the severe weather, numerous school districts in the Houston area, including Houston ISD, Katy ISD, and Aldine ISD, have announced closures for Monday. Additionally, many businesses and public services are adjusting operations, with some facilities closing or delaying openings.
Official Statements and Responses
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has urged residents to heed warnings and stay off the roads, emphasizing the importance of safety during this extreme weather event. CenterPoint Energy's Vice President of Resilience and Capital Delivery, Nathan Brownell, stated, “Any outage is one too many for us... We won’t stop until everyone’s power service is restored.”
Criticism and Opposition
While local officials have been proactive in issuing warnings and preparing for the storm, some residents have expressed frustration over the lack of timely communication regarding road conditions and potential hazards. This has led to calls for improved emergency response protocols in future weather events.
What's Next
As temperatures are expected to rise above freezing by Monday afternoon, conditions should gradually improve. However, another freeze is anticipated next weekend, prompting ongoing vigilance from residents and local authorities.
Residents are advised to prepare for potential power outages by stocking up on essential supplies, including food, water, and medications, and to ensure that their homes are adequately heated to prevent fire hazards.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Stay home this morning if you can.” — National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas
