Major Winter Storm to Impact Houston this Week |
The National Weather Service has issued the following alerts for Houston:
- Winter Storm Watch from 9:00 p.m. Saturday to 3:00 p.m. Sunday
- Winter Storm Warning from 3:00 p.m. Sunday to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday
- Hard Freeze Watch from 6:00 p.m. Sunday to 12:00 p.m. Tuesday
- Wind Chill Watch from 6:00 p.m. Sunday to 12:00 p.m. Tuesday
A strong storm system will move into the area bringing freezing rain, sleet and snow. Travel could be very difficult, if not impossible late Sunday into Monday. The extremely low wind chills, as low as 15 below zero, will become life threatening to people and animals outside without adequate warmth or shelter! It is strongly encouraged that residents stay off roadways unless absolutely necessary.
Protective Actions
Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion. Prepare for power outages and have non-perishable food and water on hand. Do not travel unless it is an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra blanket, flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case you become stranded.
When cold weather occurs, Houstonians should remember to protect the Four 'P's: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants.
People
- Dress in warm, layered clothing, including gloves, a coat, and a hat when you are outside.
- Never leave children or the elderly in vehicles during cold weather, as they can act as refrigerators and expose anyone inside to sub-freezing temperatures.
- Never use a generator, grill, camp-stove, or any gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device to heat your home (or any enclosed area). These devices can generate carbon monoxide, which cannot be seen or smelled, but is deadly.
Pets
- Protect your pets by ensuring that they have a warm, safe place to sleep. The best place for a pet to sleep is in a heated environment.
- Do not shave your dog down to the skin in winter. A longer coat provides more warmth.
- Never leave your animal in a car during cold weather. Cars can act as refrigerators in the winter, holding in the cold and causing animals to freeze to death.
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For more cold-weather tips for pets, visit the ASPA's 'Cold Weather Safety Tips' webpage: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cold-weather-safety-tips
Pipes
- During cold weather, pipes may freeze and rupture, causing water leaks and damage to your home. Protect your home by opening the cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow air from your home's heater to warm the pipes under the sink.
- Insulate outdoor faucets and pipes with insulation or newspaper, and be sure to disconnect and drain hoses from outdoor spigots.
Plants
- Protect plants from freezing by covering them with plant-cover fabric, or a light blanket with plastic sheeting on top of it.
- Bring in potted plants or group them together, near the edge of a building. Remember that soil in containers can get just as cold as the air temperature, and cause the roots to freeze, even if the above-surface leaves survive.
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Register for Alert Houston |
Timely information during emergencies is important. AlertHouston delivers critical information to Houston residents regarding current conditions, expected impacts, and protective actions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
Register for emergency alerts through email, text message, voice call, or mobile app push notification. You may download the Everbridge app free of charge from the Apple or Android app store. Most alerts are geo-targeted; subscribers with loved ones around the city may register up to five physical addresses per contact record.
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Disruption in City of Houston Trash Service |
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Due to the dangerous winter weather storm watch in effect for the City of Houston, and to ensure department employee safety, on Monday, February 15th and Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 the operations at the Neighborhood Depository/Recycling Centers, Westpark Recycling Center, Environmental Service Center, Reuse Warehouse will be closed. During this time, all garbage, recycling, yard waste and junk waste collection services will be suspended as well.
Single-Stream B-Week Recycling collection and all yard waste collection services will be suspended for the remainder of the week. Yard waste will be collected the following week while B Week recycling will be collected the week of March 1-5, 2021.
Services and operations will resume as follows:
- Wednesday, February 17, 2021
- Monday’s garbage, & Third Monday’s junk waste will be collected. The Neighborhood Depository/Recycling Centers, Westpark Recycling Center, Environmental Service Center and The Reuse Warehouse are open.
- Thursday, February 18, 2021
- Tuesday’s garbage, & Third Tuesday’s junk waste will be collected.
- Friday, February 19, 2021
- Thursday’s garbage, & Third Wednesday’s junk waste will be collected.
- Saturday, February 20, 2021
- Friday’s garbage, & Third Thursday’s junk waste will be collected.
- Sunday, February 21, 2021
- Third Friday’s junk waste will be collected.
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Houston Municipal Courts Closed |
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Due to inclement weather, the City of Houston Municipal Courts will be closed beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, February 15, 2021, through Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Normal business hours will resume Wednesday, February 17, 2021.
In accordance with guidelines from Mayor Sylvester Turner and the CDC, to protect the public and MCD staff from the spread of COVID-19, visitors will be required to wear face masks/facial coverings and have their temperature taken before being allowed entrance to a court facility.
For additional announcements and information please call the City of Houston Helpline at 3-1-1, or 713.837.0311 if outside of the City of Houston, or visit the Municipal Courts website at www.houstontx.gov/courts.
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Houston Transtar - Travel Not Advised |
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Houston Transtar has great resources on travel conditions and is updated regularly.
Currently, TRAVEL IS NOT ADVISED as ice is beginning to form on some Houston roadways.
Stay up to date with the Houston Transtar mobile app by visiting the app store or google play.
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All METRO services will be suspended Sunday, February 14th starting at 7 PM. Services will remain suspended through Tuesday or until conditions improve.
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School District Information |
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Updates current as of 2/14/21 at 5:30 PM. Please check with your schools for updates.
Monday: Student holiday (closed)
Tuesday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
All athletic events and food distributions for Monday and Tuesday also are cancelled.
Monday: Student holiday (closed)
Tuesday: To be determined, decision will be made this evening.
Humble ISD is taking the following precautions for Monday, February 15, 2021: All Humble ISD middle and high school students, face to face and virtual students, will learn online on Monday.
For elementary students, Monday remains a Student Holiday while elementary staff are engaged in professional development as previously scheduled. This professional development will now be online. For more information visit: https://www.humbleisd.net/.
Monday - Friday: Mid-Winter Break as Scheduled
Monday: Student Holiday
Tuesday: Closed
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Quick Tips for Cold Weather |
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