HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Mayor Sylvester Turner on Tuesday provided an update on the hard freeze that’s heading to our area Thursday.
During the news conference, 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.
She continued by saying this week’s weather event should be much different from the past weather events because the weather is showing only a hard freeze, no snow or icy roads, which were some factors that made the 2021 winter storm so horrific.
The freeze, which is expected to hit our area Thursday night and continue through Saturday, is expected to reach temperatures in the teens to low 20s. In this case, Hidalgo said the biggest threat is to people, pets and pipes.
In preparation for the freeze, Hidalgo said the county is working with the city and will have teams in the Emergency Operation Center on Thursday.
She also added that she has been in constant communication with ERCOT and CenterPoint, who will also have teams on standby in case of an electrical emergency, which they are not expecting.
“Based on our conversations with ERCOT, we don’t anticipate the use of generators because of a widespread loss of power, like we saw in 2021. But, if you are without power and are running a generator because of a fallen tree or any other reason, do not bring any outdoor appliances–like a grill or generator–inside or in enclosed spaces, or run your car inside the garage to stay warm. This could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be very dangerous,” Hidalgo said.
Hidalgo also reached out to the Coalition for the Homeless, which is working with people in encampments, encouraging them to find shelter ahead of Thursday.
TxDOT and the Toll Road Authority will also be out Thursday and Friday ensuring roads are safe for drivers.
“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.
The county has also opened up a number of warming centers ahead of the freeze.
For the community, Hidalgo and Mayor Turner are asking residents to follow these steps:
- For those leaving town, prepare your home ahead of time by covering and draining your pipes. Check with airports for any weather updates across the country that might delay your travel.
- Wear layered clothing
- Check on your elderly neighbors, people with disabilities and the homeless community
- Bring pets inside or make sure they are warm and have water
- Cover plants or bring them inside
- Cover exposed pipes
For more information about the freeze and how to stay prepared visit www.Houstontx.gov or www.Readyharris.org.
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