Houston Cold Snap: Closures, Warm Centers

**Arctic Blast Prompts Widespread Closures, Emergency Warming Centers Across Greater Houston**

**HOUSTON, TX – January 24, 2026** – Greater Houston is bracing for a significant arctic cold snap this week, prompting widespread closures, service disruptions, and schedule changes across city and county services. Temperatures are expected to plummet into the low 20s, with wind chills making it feel like the teens or even single digits, beginning late Sunday evening, January 25th, and persisting through Tuesday, January 27th, 2026. This severe weather event has triggered emergency protocols to ensure public safety and provide refuge from the dangerous cold.

Non-essential services for numerous governmental entities will be closed on both Monday, January 26th, and Tuesday, January 27th. This includes operations for Harris County, the City of Houston, the City of Tomball, Jersey Village, and Hempstead. Montgomery County offices will also be shuttered for non-essential staff during this period. Residents are strongly advised to complete any urgent business by Friday, January 23rd, or prepare for delays.

“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of every Houstonian during this extreme weather event,” stated Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “We urge everyone to take this cold snap seriously, stay indoors if possible, check on elderly neighbors, and utilize our warming centers if you don’t have adequate heat.” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo echoed these sentiments, adding, “We have activated our emergency response systems and coordinated closely with local municipalities to ensure resources are available for those most vulnerable.”

The cold front is expected to bring freezing temperatures and the potential for icy conditions on roads, especially on elevated surfaces and bridges, prompting concerns for travel safety. Most major school districts across the region, including Houston ISD, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Katy ISD, and Aldine ISD, are anticipated to announce closures for Monday and Tuesday as early as Friday evening. Parents are encouraged to monitor district communications for specific updates.

Several important public meetings have been rescheduled due to the anticipated severe weather:
* The Houston City Council’s January 29th meeting has been moved to Wednesday, February 5th.
* Tomball City Council’s January 27th meeting will now take place on Monday, February 10th.
* The Harris County Commissioners Court shifts its January 28th session to Tuesday, February 4th.
* The Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Board of Trustees’ January 27th meeting is now set for Monday, February 16th.

To help residents stay safe and warm, a number of warming centers are opening their doors. The City of Houston will extend hours for its public libraries and parks and recreation centers, which will be open until 7 p.m. on both January 26th and 27th. For a list of specific locations and their hours, please visit [houstontx.gov/emergency](https://www.houstontx.gov/emergency).

Harris County is establishing three primary warming centers, which will open at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 26th, and remain operational until 10 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27th:
* Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center: 8440 Greenhouse Road, Cypress, TX 77433
* Spring Branch Community Center: 1721 Gessner Road, Houston, TX 77080
* Tracy Gee Community Center: 3599 Westcenter Drive, Houston, TX 77042
Residents seeking refuge at Harris County centers are advised to bring essential items such as medications, identification, and blankets, but refrain from bringing weapons or alcohol. Further details can be found at [harriscountytx.gov](https://www.harriscountytx.gov/).

In Tomball, the Community Center, located at 221 Market St., will be available as a warming center from noon on Monday, January 26th, until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27th. Information specific to Tomball can be found at [tomballtx.gov](https://www.tomballtx.gov/).

Public transit users should prepare for potential disruptions. METRO service might experience delays or detours, particularly if icy conditions impact roadways. Riders are strongly encouraged to check METRO’s latest updates via their website at [ridemetro.org](https://www.ridemetro.org/) or the METRO Trip app for real-time information before traveling. Similarly, City of Houston waste collection services could see disruptions, meaning residents should check online for updated schedules at [houstonsolidwaste.org](https://www.houstonsolidwaste.org/).

Emergency officials are also emphasizing the “Four Ps” of cold weather safety:
* **People:** Bring pets indoors, dress in layers, and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors.
* **Pets:** Ensure all pets are brought inside or have adequate, insulated shelter, food, and unfrozen water.
* **Pipes:** Drip faucets slowly, especially those against exterior walls, and cover exposed outdoor pipes. Know how to shut off your water in case of a burst pipe.
* **Plants:** Cover or bring sensitive plants indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Residents are also warned about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning when using alternative heating sources. Ensure generators are operated outdoors and away from windows, and never use charcoal grills or gas ovens indoors for heat. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. In the event of a power outage, have flashlights, batteries, and fully charged mobile devices ready.

For non-emergency assistance, residents can call 311. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911. Stay informed by monitoring local news and official government channels for the latest updates.