Weather

The National Weather Service Houston/Galveston has issued an Extreme Cold Warning for northern and western counties in the Greater Houston area from midnight until 10 a.m. Thursday. Dangerously low wind chill values between 7 to 15 degrees are expected in these areas. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect across the remainder of southeast Texas, including Houston and surrounding communities, where wind chills could dip as low as 15 to 20 degrees.

The coldest period is expected tonight through Thursday morning, with wind chills forecasted to drop into the teens and single digits. Residents should also prepare for additional cold weather advisories on Friday morning as frigid temperatures persist.

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Protecting People, Pets, Plants, and Property from Extreme Cold

With dangerous cold temperatures settling in, officials urge residents to take precautionary measures by following the Four P's: People, Pets, Plants, and Property.

Protecting People

• Dress in layers and wear insulated clothing, gloves, and hats to prevent frostbite.

• Minimize time spent outdoors, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

• Check on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors to ensure they have proper heating and shelter.

• Be mindful of symptoms of hypothermia, including confusion, shivering, and exhaustion.

Protecting Pets

• Bring pets indoors. Cold temperatures can be life-threatening to animals left outside.

• Provide pets with warm bedding and ensure they have access to fresh, unfrozen water.

• Limit outdoor exposure for pets and avoid walking them on icy surfaces to prevent injury.

Protecting Plants

• Cover sensitive outdoor plants with blankets, burlap, or frost cloth to protect them from freezing temperatures.

• Move potted plants indoors or into a garage where temperatures are warmer.

• Water plants ahead of the freeze to help insulate roots against extreme cold.

Protecting Property

• Prevent frozen pipes by allowing faucets to drip and opening cabinet doors to circulate warm air around plumbing.

• Ensure heating systems are functioning properly and replace air filters if needed.

• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.

• Protect vehicles by checking antifreeze levels and ensuring batteries are in good condition to withstand cold starts.

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How to Prepare for Freezing Temperatures

• Stay Informed: Monitor local weather updates and alerts from the National Weather Service.

• Stock Up: Keep emergency supplies such as blankets, non-perishable food, bottled water, and flashlights readily available.

• Drive Safely: If travel is necessary, allow extra time and be prepared for potentially icy conditions on roads and bridges.

Warming Centers Near You

According to ReadyHarris, warming centers will open across Harris County beginning Wednesday evening. People needing transportation to a warming center can call 3-1-1 for assistance. Visit the Overnight Warming Centers map for location information and hours of operation updates.

As the Greater Houston area braces for extreme cold, it is crucial to take precautions to stay safe and protect homes and belongings. Stay updated with real-time weather alerts and implement necessary measures to withstand the dangerously cold temperatures expected through the end of the week.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

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.