HOUSTON - A winter storm is forecast to bring snow, ice and subfreezing temperatures across a nearly 3,000-mile swath of the U.S. – from New England down to Texas.
That cold air is expected to spill into the Southeast Texas region by Thursday, bringing some of the coldest temperatures recorded in the state since the deadly 2021 winter storm, which left millions in Texas without power or water for days.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for most of Southeast Texas, including the City of Houston.
As of mid-Thursday morning, the main concerns are the harsh wind chills expected this afternoon and evening.
A Wind Chill Advisory begins at 6 p.m. and the feels like temperatures could range between 10 and 20 degrees.
Some light sleet or freezing rain could start west and northwest of Houston by midday, but accumulations should be very light.
Nevertheless, any freezing rain could create a glaze of ice on bridges and overpasses north and west of town.
Overnight into Friday morning expect widespread temperatures in the 20s with low to mid 20s expected from The Woodlands northward and Katy westward.
Make sure to bring pets inside, cover or bring in sensitive plants, check in on those who might not have adequate heating, and cover exposed pipes and sprinkler systems outdoors.
Winter Storm Warning from 6 a.m. Thursday until 9 a.m. Friday for Brazos and Houston Counties.
Winter Weather Advisory from 6 a.m. Thursday until 9 a.m. Friday for Colorado, Grimes and Washington Counties.
Winter Weather Advisory from 2 p.m. Thursday until 9 a.m. Friday for Fort Bend, Inland Harris, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Walker, Waller, Wharton Counties.
Hard Freeze Warning from 6 p.m. Thursday until 9 a.m. Friday for Walker, San Jacinto, Brazos, Washington, Grimes, Montgomery, Colorado, Austin and Waller Counties.
Wind Chill Advisory goes into effect Thursday evening area-wide with feels like temperatures possibly in the 10-20 degree range, which can be dangerous if people need to be outdoors and aren't properly protected.
The main concern for the greater Houston area is the cold air, especially when paired with a harsh north wind.
It won't get as cold or last as long as the 2021 winter storm, but you should still prepare.
The entire area will be at or below freezing for at least two nights in a row, and in some areas three nights.
Wind chills are expected in the teens overnight Thursday into Friday. We could see a Wind Chill Advisory with feels like values at or below 13 for parts of the area, in addition to a Hard Freeze for parts of the area.
Winds will relax some as we head into the weekend. It'll still be cold, but less windy so actual temperatures Friday night into Saturday morning will be similar, wind chill values aren't expected to be as low.
Wednesday night through Friday morning, sustained north winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 25 to 30 mph are expected.
Not quite wind advisory criteria, though one may be prompted closer to the coastline where slightly higher winds are expected.
WINTRY PRECIPITATION POSSIBLE
Confidence is increasing that some wintry precipitation will be seen.
Light freezing rain and sleet will be possible, and roads could become slippery.
Trace amounts of ice accumulation are expected – 0.01-0.02 inches. There may be some sleet or ice pellets, but the biggest cause for concern would be elevated surfaces such as bridges or overpasses, so exert caution if out on roadways especially during the overnight hours.
This is still mainly a rain event for the City of Houston, beginning Thursday evening and tapering off Friday evening.
We are expecting under an inch across the board. A couple of isolated thunderstorms may work their way into the mix, but nothing severe is expected.
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