HOUSTON – This is the What’s Driving Houston newsletter sent out by KPRC 2 traffic expert Anavid Reyes. To subscribe, visit click2houston.com/newsletters.
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Hello Houston, and welcome back!
Brrrrr... it’s COLD! And, this ain’t nothing yet, we’re expected to plunge into the teens later on tonight. Ay Dios mio! Now is the time to plan and prepare to keep yourself and loved ones safe... especially if you’re heading out for your holiday road trip.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Mayor Sylvester Turner on Tuesday provided an update on the hard freeze during a news conference earlier this week. Hidalgo said that this freeze will likely be nothing like the 2021 winter storm.
“...This hard freeze is a cold event that we experience in Harris County about once every five years or so. And it’s something we can handle. It will be cold, but it doesn’t have to spoil any of our holiday plans – so long as we work together and take the necessary steps to prepare,” Hidalgo said.
TxDOT and the Toll Road Authority will be out Thursday and Friday ensuring roads are safe for drivers, considering these will be the most heavily traveled days on the road ahead of the Christmas holiday weekend.
“We do not foresee travel concerns because icy roads are not expected. That means people can go to the grocery store and get gas, as long as they are bundled up. However, there may be issues with airline travel if other states are facing significant winter weather, like snow and ice, especially if you’re traveling to the north or east,” Hidalgo explained.
While this weather event will be nothing like the freeze we saw last year, it is still important to take all precautions to avoid any unnecessary situations.
For example, you’ve got to get your car in tip-top shape before hitting the road:
If you and your family will be joining the mass of holiday travelers getting on the road, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape ahead of the freeze.
Before the winter blast arrives, it’s essential that drivers make sure they have a fully stocked emergency kit equipped for winter weather. According to AAA Texas, the kit should include the following:
- Traction aids (sand, salt, non-clumping cat litter or traction mats)
- Shovel
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables or jump pack
- Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, duct tape, plastic zip ties)
- Tarp, raincoat and gloves to help stay clean/dry if you must get out of the vehicle
- Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
- Warning devices (flares, reflective triangles or LED beacons)
- First-aid kit (check expiration date)
- Drinking water
- Snacks/food for your passengers and any pets
- Ice scraper
- Snowbrush
- Winter windshield washer solvent
- Warm gloves, clothes, hats and blankets for all passengers in your car
- Car charger for mobile phone
For more information ahead of your big road trip, click here.
Drive safely my friends and stay warm! :)
KPRC 2 traffic expert
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Airports
- Here’s some all-season travel knowledge: You can bring an empty reusable water bottle with you in your carry-on bag. Most airports have a filling station before boarding, so you don’t have to get rid of a full bottle of water during your TSA screening.
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Construction closures
- No added closures this holiday weekend, according to TxDOT. What is already closed, will remain closed.
- At months of construction, The MKT Trail Spur Connector closes a gap between the MKT and White Oak Bayou Greenway trails. The $1.2 million project features 850 feet of a 10-foot-wide concrete hike and bike trail, storm water upgrades, a retaining wall & safety railings. For some background information on this project, click here.
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