01/27/2026
Residents should brace for one more night of freezing weather
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management continues to monitor subfreezing temperatures overnight. An Extreme Cold Warning from the National Weather Service (NWS) continues through Tuesday morning.
Unsafe weather conditions will continue this evening and overnight. If possible, stay off the roadways. ANY remaining wet surfaces will re-freeze overnight.
Shelters & Warming Centers: Multiple cities and partners in Harris County have opened warming centers and overnight shelters. The Harris County Warming Centers and Overnight Shelters map is available on ReadyHarris.org. If you need transportation assistance this afternoon or evening, please call 3-1-1. All six American Red Cross shelters will close at noon on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, with transport to those shelters stopping at 5 am.
Continue to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants.
As freezing temperatures continue tonight, stay on the lookout for any broken pipes or leaks. Ensure your pipes are well protected.
If the Pipe Bursts:
• The first thing you should do is shut off the main water line into your property. Learn how to shut off the main water line here: https://bit.ly/4r8Lztt
• Call a Professional. If you are unable to thaw the pipe, unable to locate the frozen pipe, do not feel comfortable thawing a pipe yourself or if a pipe bursts, you should call a plumber or other professional.
Warning signs of Broken Pipes:
• Low water pressure
• Frost build-up on pipes
• Damp sections of drywall, carpet, or ceilings
• Strange smells coming from faucets or drains
Residents are also advised to use 9-1-1 only in the event of life-threatening emergencies. First responders will face significant challenges due to higher-than-normal calls for service as well as weather-impacted streets. Longer response times may result.
Travel Safety: Monitor road conditions daily by visiting https://www.houstontranstar.org/. Statewide road conditions are available at https://drivetexas.org/.
Heater Safety: Portable space heaters are often used to heat rooms and homes. If not used properly, they can cause fires, severe injuries, and death. If using a portable heater, remember these important safety tips:
• Keep heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn, including furniture, carpets, curtains, and people.
• Place heaters on solid, non-flammable surfaces.
• Never block exits with a heater and keep them out of the way of foot traffic.
• Keep children away from heaters.
• Always plug heaters directly into wall outlets – NEVER use an extension cord.
• Turn off and unplug space heaters when leaving a room or going to bed.
Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector and never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors.
Generator Safety: If you use a generator, remember these important safety tips from the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office.
• Use portable generators outdoors at least 15-20 feet away from all doors, windows, and vent openings to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open.
Residents can text FREEZE to 888-777 for the latest Winter Weather updates. Follow trusted sources and local media for forecast updates and stay informed on how to prepare for extreme cold weather by following HCOHSEM updates at ReadyHarris.org, on social media, and by signing up for ReadyHarris Alerts or ReadyHarris Accessible Alerts.
Doing a little work before a HARD FREEZE can save a LOT of heartache. Shutting off the water to your house and draining pipes is an easy process. Check out t...
