Houston is facing hazardous road conditions as a winter storm brings freezing rain, ice, and frigid temperatures to Southeast Texas, overwhelming the city’s infrastructure not built for such weather. Driving has become treacherous, with slippery overpasses and elevated roadways, and “the flyovers from US 290 to the Grand Parkway were shut down due to ice,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said, according to KHOU.
Despite TxDOT applying brine solutions on major roads, icy conditions remain hazardous and are expected to worsen on Monday morning, with a Winter Storm Warning, Extreme Cold Warning, and Ice Storm Warning in effect for areas north of Houston.
Houston authorities are providing updates on icy roads through Houston TranStar as a winter storm affects the area. Houston ISD and Katy ISD schools are closed. Utilities, including Electric Reliability Council of Texas and CenterPoint Energy, are prepared for higher power demand and possible outages. Drivers are advised to slow down, increase stopping distances, and keep gas tanks full, especially on bridges and overpasses. Warming centers are open, and residents are advised to protect pipes, pets, plants, and people by keeping homes heated and maintaining supplies, as reported by FOX 26 Houston.
