Houston city officials are bracing for multiple days of sub-freezing temperatures as a winter storm is expected to hit the area by Saturday.
During Wednesday’s city council meeting, Mayor John Whitmire urged residents to take the storm seriously and said city departments “have been asked to have all hands on deck.”
“I’m here to emphasize, it is a serious storm,” Whitmire said. “We’re monitoring it by the hour.”
The city plans to open 12 warming centers from Saturday through Tuesday morning. Eight of the centers lack permanent generators, but temporary power sources will be installed to ensure residents have access to heat.
Brian Mason, interim director of resiliency and recovery, warned that the city could face up to 48 hours of “bone-chilling cold.” He compared the expected conditions to the winter storm of 2021, which brought prolonged sub-freezing temperatures, statewide rolling power outages, and resulted in dozens of deaths.
Last year, the administration advanced a $100 million “power protection initiative” funded through federal disaster recovery dollars to expand the city’s generator network. Previously, only one of Houston’s 13 multiservice centers had permanent power backup.
The forecast calls for possible freezing rain on Saturday and Sunday. Houston Public Works Director Randy Macchi said the department will focus on “very selective” road treatment, prioritizing critical areas to ensure first responders can reach hospitals and other essential services.
“The most important thing is when the streets get dangerous, you just stay off of them,” Macchi said.
Residents were advised not to drip water faucets, as this can cause systemwide drops in water pressure and trigger boil water notices. Those concerned about potential pipe bursts are encouraged to shut off water to the property and fully drain pipes ahead of the storm.
During a previous freeze in January 2025, city warming centers were not opened during the first cold spell, placing strain on private shelters. Later in the month, roughly 1,300 residents sought refuge at 10 public warming centers during a snowstorm.