Dangerous Cold Grips Houston Amid Winter Storm Enzo: Wind Chill Values as Low as 7 Degrees Expected
As Winter Storm Enzo continues its impact on the Greater Houston Area, residents are urged to prepare for dangerously low wind chill values and freezing temperatures. Meteorologist Lance Wood with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Houston/Galveston warns residents about the hazardous conditions expected through Wednesday morning.
Cold Weather Advisory and Extreme Cold Watch in Effect
A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 6 PM Tuesday, warning of bitter wind chill values ranging from 12 to 20 degrees. Following this, an Extreme Cold Watch will take effect from 6 PM Tuesday to 9 AM Wednesday, forecasting even colder wind chill values as low as 7 to 18 degrees, with actual temperatures dipping into the low 20s.
“This is dangerously cold weather, especially for a region like ours that’s not accustomed to prolonged freezing conditions,” said Lance Wood. “Low wind chills can lead to hypothermia, so we’re urging everyone to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.”
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Impact and Safety Precautions
The NWS warns that the severe cold can have significant impacts on both people and property. Hypothermia is a major risk for anyone exposed to the cold without proper clothing, and pets are also vulnerable to the freezing conditions. Sensitive vegetation is at risk, and any melting snow this afternoon is expected to refreeze overnight, creating hazardous icy conditions on roads and sidewalks.
Residents are advised to follow these precautions:
- Dress warmly: Wear multiple layers, along with hats, gloves, and scarves, to reduce heat loss.
- Keep pets indoors: Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be harmful or fatal to animals.
- Protect plants: Cover outdoor plants or bring them indoors to prevent frost damage.
- Use generators safely: Operate generators and portable heaters in well-ventilated areas to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use grills, stoves, or heaters indoors.
- Avoid unnecessary travel: Roads remain hazardous due to snow, ice, and potential refreezing overnight.
Winter Storm Warning Continues
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6 PM Tuesday, while a Winter Weather Advisory covers areas such as Madison, Houston, and Trinity counties. Snowfall totals across the region have ranged from 1 to 4 inches, with another 0.5 to 1 inch possible, particularly in southeast and coastal areas. Snowfall is expected to taper off by Tuesday afternoon, but a hard freeze will follow, compounding travel difficulties.
“Travel remains dangerous and should be avoided through Wednesday morning,” Wood emphasized. “Even after the snow stops, the refreezing will create slick and icy conditions.”
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Refreezing and Hard Freeze Expected
The NWS predicts a hard freeze for all inland areas overnight into Wednesday morning, with any melting that occurs during the afternoon quickly refreezing as temperatures plummet. Wind chill values below freezing will persist through Wednesday, making outdoor activities dangerous.
Staying Updated
For those who must travel or venture outdoors, the NWS and local authorities recommend staying informed about current road conditions through resources like Houston TranStar at traffic.houstontranstar.org, which provides updates on road closures and icy conditions.
Winter Storm Enzo has brought a rare and dangerous combination of snow, ice, and extreme cold to the Houston area, and residents are encouraged to remain vigilant. For emergencies, call 911, and for non-emergencies, Harris County residents should contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office at 713-221-6000. Fort Bend County residents should call the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 281-341-4665 for assistance, and Montgomery County residents should call the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at 936-760-5800.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
