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Updated Jan. 23, 3:30 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service, dangerous cold weather is expected to move through the Houston region starting Jan. 23, with most of the Greater Houston area now under a winter storm warning.
The details
Based on the latest update, the Greater Houston area is expecting "disruptive winter storm conditions" starting at 6 a.m. on Jan. 24 until 6 p.m., Jan. 25. An extreme cold warning is in effect from Jan. 24-26.
"We have also added an extreme cold watch for Monday night into Tuesday morning. Again, our key messages for today is that preparations should be completed today," said NWS officials. "We are expecting a dangerous week."
Posted Jan. 22, 5:42 p.m.
Harris County and city of Houston officials are taking a number of precautionary steps ahead of Winter Storm Fern, including unveiling 13 warming centers across the Greater Houston area.
The update
According to the National Weather Service, Winter Storm Fern is expected to move through the region starting Jan. 24 and bring freezing temperatures through Jan. 27. Officials with the NWS also noted wind chills will likely range from 5-15 degrees, which poses hypothermia and frostbite risks with prolonged exposure.
In a Jan. 22 news conference, officials with Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones’s office and the city of Houston announced a total of 13 warming centers will be opened Jan. 24 for the public. The centers are spread across the Houston area at the following locations:
“Water amenities such as restrooms, drinking fountains and concession usage will be limited starting on Friday, Jan. 23,” Harris County Precinct 3 officials said. “The parks will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 24, and reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 28, with limited access to water amenities.”
What else?
School districts across the Greater Houston area have already cancelled a number of weekend extracurricular activities. However, no schools have announced closures as of press time. Several have advised parents of students to stay alert for any potential announcements over the weekend.
The following school districts have cancelled or postponed weekend athletic, academic and theatrical events:
