Winter Storm in Store for Houston

An aerial shot of Allen Parkway facing west during the January 2025 snow. (Photo: Matt Hoffman)

Much of the country is preparing for a severe winter storm this weekend, and Houston is no exception. First, the good news: Houston temperatures are expected to be warmer than those of February 2021, and the storm should have a shorter total duration. Potentially hazardous road conditions will likely begin on Saturday night, although they could be earlier or later. Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday mornings all bring the potential for a hard freeze, with the coldest temperatures likely on Sunday night. We’ve gathered safety tips and authoritative resources to check for updates.

The “Four Ps”

Keep the “Four Ps” for cold weather in mind: 
1. People: Keep warm; stay inside if possible. 
2. Pets: Bring pets inside and be sure to have adequate food/water available. 
3. Pipes: Wrap exposed faucets and pipes, including those outside the house or in attics, garages, etc. Remove garden hoses connected to outside faucets. Turn off sprinkler systems. Shut off the main water supply and drain pipes to prevent damage should they burst. 
4. Plants: Bring potted plants inside or store in garage to provide warm and protection from wind. For cold-sensitive outdoor plants, put down extra mulch and cover with a cloth fabric to protect plants from wind and frost. 
 

What to have on hand

Supplies include:

• non-perishable foods
• bottled waters 
• medication (prescription and over-the-counter), first-aid kit 
• flashlights and batteries
• portable charger
• candles, matches
• manual can opener
• hand sanitizer 
• sleeping bags 
   

Weather Tracking Resources

Sign up for Alert Houston to receive timely information during weather emergencies. You can register for alerts through email, text message, voice call, or mobile app push notifications, and most alerts are geo-targeted. If you live in one of the following neighborhoods, you can also sign up for area specific alert systems to get the most locally-relevant information: Bellaire, West U, Memorial Villages.

Check Centerpoint Energy for any power outage updates. 

Space City Weather provides updated information without hype.
 

More Safety Tips:

Find safety tips for winter weather from Houston OEM and see a map of warming centers here. Read up on tips for safely using space heaters from the Houston Fire Department here. Reminder to keep generators outside at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents to avoid accidental CO poisoning. 

If you need to drive, use precaution and check weather and road conditions in advance. Have an emergency kit on hand for the car. Find a list here. 

Stay safe and warm!