Houston-Area Schools Reopen After Cold Snap Closures

**Houston-Area Schools to Reopen Wednesday After Historic Cold Snap Forces Closures**

**HOUSTON, TX – January 16, 2024** – After a multi-day closure prompted by a brutal cold snap that brought arctic temperatures and dangerous road conditions to the region, most major school districts across the greater Houston area are set to resume classes on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Students and staff are preparing to return as temperatures finally begin their climb out of the single digits and teens.

Conroe ISD, which was already observing the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on Monday, January 15th, extended its break by closing schools on Tuesday, January 16th. Superintendent Dr. Curtis Null announced Monday afternoon that the decision was driven by widespread concerns over hazardous road conditions, dangerously frigid temperatures, and the potential for power outages and water pipe issues affecting both homes and school campuses. Dr. Null provided a welcome relief for families, confirming that no makeup days will be required for students due to Tuesday’s closure. Staff, however, were advised to check directly with their campus administrators for specific work schedules. Conroe ISD serves over 70,000 students across 65 campuses.

Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles issued a similar announcement Monday afternoon, confirming that HISD schools would also remain closed on Tuesday, January 16th, before fully reopening on Wednesday, January 17th. Miles cited the same critical reasons: the extreme cold, multiple hard freezes, and the potential for treacherous road conditions. A key concern was also ensuring that all facilities had working heating systems and no burst pipes after enduring the deep freeze. Houston ISD is the state’s largest school district, serving approximately 180,000 students.

The impact of the cold snap extended far beyond the two largest districts. Other area school systems, including Willis ISD, Splendora ISD, and New Caney ISD, among numerous others, also opted to close on Tuesday, January 16th, with plans to welcome students back on Wednesday, January 17th. These closures collectively affected hundreds of thousands of students and educators across Southeast Texas.

The region has experienced an unprecedented few days of winter weather, with temperatures plummeting into the single digits overnight and struggling to reach the teens during daylight hours. Wind chill warnings issued by the National Weather Service put the “feel like” temperature well below zero at times, posing significant risks of hypothermia and frostbite. Roadways became slick with patches of black ice, and emergency services responded to an uptick in weather-related calls. The Texas power grid operator, ERCOT, also issued conservation notices, urging residents to reduce electricity use to maintain grid stability amidst the high demand for heating.

While not as prolonged as Winter Storm Uri in 2021, this week’s freeze brought similar infrastructure challenges, particularly concerning water pipes in a region not typically built for such sustained cold. Many residents reported issues with frozen or burst pipes at their homes. District officials emphasized the need to thoroughly inspect campuses for damage before allowing students to return.

As temperatures are forecast to rise above freezing by Wednesday and continue climbing through the rest of the week, the immediate dangers of ice and extreme cold will dissipate. However, residents are still encouraged to remain vigilant, checking pipes for leaks as they thaw and driving with caution, especially during morning hours, until all residual ice has melted.

For the latest updates regarding school schedules and any potential changes, parents and students are advised to check their respective school district’s official websites and social media channels.