Houston: Time to Prepare: Mayor Whitmire's Winter Weather Update

January 24, 2026 ~ Houston Braces for Arctic Blast: Mayor Urges Residents to Prepare and Stay Safe

As an Arctic blast approaches, Houston Mayor urges residents to take necessary precautions and prepare for the extreme weather conditions. In a press release issued on January 24, 2026, the Mayor emphasized the importance of being cautious and staying safe during this time.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to drop late Saturday evening with heavy rain transitioning into winter precipitation early Sunday. To ensure the safety of citizens, the Mayor has requested Houstonians to stay off the roads starting from midnight Saturday until Monday morning. The buildup of ice on roads can create extremely dangerous driving conditions and it is crucial to keep them clear for first responders.

In order to reduce risk, Tier 2 and Tier 3 municipal employees have been directed to stay home. Additionally, the City of Houston Municipal Courts will remain closed on Monday, January 26. Many school districts in the area, including Houston ISD, have also canceled classes and activities.

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The Mayor has also announced that warming centers will be opened across the city at 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 24. These centers will provide a safe place for residents to seek shelter from the cold weather. The Office of Emergency Management website has important information for citizens regarding emergency services and resources.

To report a power outage, CenterPoint customers can call 800-332-7143 while Entergy customers can call 800-968-8243. The Mayor has also reminded residents to protect themselves and their loved ones by following the four P's - People, Pipes, Pets, and Plants.

For those in need of transportation to a warming center, they can call 311 for assistance. The Mayor has also urged citizens to sign up for emergency messages through AlertHouston by visiting alerthouston.org.

In preparation for the freeze, Houston Public Works has provided important tips on how to protect homes. These tips can be found on their website and include steps such as insulating pipes and covering outdoor plants.

The Mayor also addressed concerns about public safety, infrastructure, and health during a news conference at the Office of Emergency Management. He assured citizens that his team at City Hall has taken all necessary steps to protect critical infrastructure and position police officers and firefighters to respond quickly to emergencies.

As the city braces for the Arctic blast, the Mayor has urged everyone to do their part in staying safe and protecting lives. He also advised citizens to stay updated on weather conditions and follow any further updates from the city.

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