Houston, Texas – A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon for portions of southeast Texas, with freezing rain expected to create hazardous travel conditions and the potential for power outages.
According to the National Weather Service in Houston/Galveston, ice accumulations between one-tenth and three-tenths of an inch are possible across the watch area. The highest ice totals are expected in the Piney Woods and Brazos Valley. While slight sleet accumulations are possible in northern areas, forecasters say freezing rain will be the primary concern.
The watch includes the Houston metro area and surrounding counties, including Harris, Montgomery, Brazos, Walker, Polk, Liberty, Fort Bend, Wharton, and Chambers counties. Ice accumulation of this magnitude could lead to tree damage and power outages, particularly where freezing rain persists for several hours.
Rain is expected to transition to freezing rain and sleet in the Piney Woods and Brazos Valley as early as midday Saturday. Elsewhere across southeast Texas, rain may change to freezing rain Saturday afternoon or Saturday night as colder air settles into the region.
Travel could become hazardous as roadways, bridges, and overpasses ice over. Officials urge residents to closely monitor forecast updates, as small temperature changes could significantly affect ice accumulation amounts and impacts.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for possible power outages by charging electronic devices, securing essential supplies, and limiting travel during the most hazardous conditions. Motorists who must travel should use extreme caution and allow extra time.
Commuters, weekend travelers, and residents across southeast Texas should be prepared for rapidly changing road conditions as the winter weather develops.
