Houston airports, schools close as Texas to Florida prepares for potentially historic winter storm
Winter weather alerts are in effect for seven states from the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas through South Carolina, which includes several major metropolitan areas. Tallahassee and other portions of northern Florida are currently under a Winter Storm Watch, which is the first time that’s occurred since 2014.
Kiyana Lewis is live from Houston to share the latest reports on the frigid temperatures that will sweep the area
FOX Weather Meteorologist Kiyana Lewis talks about the latest closures throughout Houston as the city prepares for its first measurable snow since 2021.
HOUSTON – Millions of people living along the Gulf Coast and into the Southeast are bracing for a rare, significant winter storm that’s expected to significantly impact travel and lead to power outages due to heavy snow and ice starting Monday evening.
The FOX Forecast Center said confidence has increased in seeing record snow in places that aren’t accustomed to it. Officials from Texas to Florida have been urging residents to prepare for the incoming winter weather and frigid temperatures.
The exclusive FOX Model Futuretrack shows a rare winter storm impacting the South and Gulf Coast this week.
(FOX Weather)
Forecasters say impacts from the potentially historic winter storm will begin Monday evening across eastern and southeastern Texas, spreading eastward along the Gulf Coast and into the Southeast through Tuesday and Wednesday.
Heavy snow is expected along and north of the Interstate 10 corridor, with swaths of sleet and freezing rain over portions of southern Texas, southeastern Georgia and northern Florida.
Major travel disruptions are likely, and power outages are also expected in areas where significant snow and ice are possible.
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Texas emergency management prepares for winter storm
Texas Department of Emergency Management Assistant Director Seth W. Christensen explains how resources are stocked up across Texas for the incoming winter storm. Heavy snow is forecast across parts of Texas.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire has urged residents to prepare for significant impacts from the rare winter storm.
"We’re doing everything we can as a city to prepare for this winter storm," Whitmire said. "We will be here to keep you safe and respond to emergencies, but we need your help."
Whitmire urged people to limit time outdoors and stay home if possible.
"We don’t want you to risk your life or jeopardize the safety of our police officers and firefighters if they have to rescue you when you could have stayed home," he said. "Our first responders must remain focused on critical incidents as conditions worsen."
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In anticipation of the storm, Houston METRO services will be suspended starting at 9 p.m. Monday, and Houston airports will be closed starting at midnight Tuesday.
Houston Independent School District canceled school on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Houston municipal courts will be closed on Tuesday.
Watch: Houston airports prepare for incoming winter storm
This video shows the preparations underway at Houston airports ahead of the incoming winter storm. Officials say both Bush and Hobby airports will close at midnight Tuesday.
The University of Texas at Austin announced it will be closed Tuesday, and the University of Houston-Clear Lake said all UHCL locations, including Pearland and the Texas Medical Center, will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Texas Children's Hospital has also announced it canceled all outpatient appointments in the Austin area.
Houston Public Works began pretreating roads and overpasses on Sunday and applied a second round of brine on Monday to reduce ice accumulation.
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New Orleans, Florida Panhandle included in rare Winter Storm Warnings
Nearly every state this system will touch is under a state of emergency, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis being the latest to issue an emergency declaration due to the potentially dangerous weather coming.
In Louisiana, Gov. Jeff Landry issued a state of emergency due to the incoming winter weather, allowing for direct state assistance to support operations measures at the parish level to ensure the safety of residents.
Louisiana rushing winter storm preparations to completion ahead of snow
A potentially historic winter storm is getting ready to slam the South, and preparations are underway in Louisiana ahead of the incoming winter weather. FOX Weather Storm Specialist Mike Seidel was in Baton Rouge Monday morning with the latest on the forecast.
Officials announced that state offices in Louisiana will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday because of the storm.
The city of New Orleans has been included in a Winter Storm Warning, and that doesn’t happen often.
"In Orleans Parish, I reached out to the weather service (Sunday), and they said that it’s only the second time on record they’ve had a Winter Storm Warning for Orleans Parish," FOX Weather Storm Specialist Mike Seidel said. "Just that one parish. Not some of the other areas like up here in Baton Rouge."
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The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority announced all transit service would be suspended starting at 11 p.m. Monday and there would be no service on Tuesday.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation has been busy pretreating state roads and highways across the region in anticipation of the storm, and Louisiana State Police are urging people to stay off the roads if possible when the storm hits.
"With the extreme winter weather conditions expected to impact our state over the next few days, Louisiana State Police urges our residents and visitors to stay weather aware and avoid all unnecessary travel," Col. Robert Hodges, Superintendent of Louisiana State Police, said in a statement on X. "Roadway conditions, especially bridges and overpasses, tend to decline quickly during these weather events."
Louisiana State University announced the physical campus would be closed on Tuesday, but classes would continue in a format determined by each instructor.
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Gov. Kay Ivey issued a state of emergency for coastal and central Alabama because of the anticipated ice and prolonged cold.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp also issued a state of emergency due to the incoming weather. State offices in Atlanta will be closed on Tuesday and employees will work remotely.
Preparations are also underway across the Florida Panhandle, where winter weather is expected to significantly disrupt daily life.
The Florida Department of Transportation said equipment, materials and personnel are ready to hit the roads to keep the state’s highways safe and operational. Officials say the state’s Road Rangers will respond quickly to any issues or drivers who may get stuck in the winter weather.
The winter weather hasn't arrived yet, but impacts are already being felt.
Florida A&M University (FAMU) announced changes to campus operations ahead of the storm, including switching to virtual learning at the Tallahassee campus after 3 p.m. Tuesday. The Tallahassee campus will be closed on Wednesday.
Panama City Beach officials announced the closure of administrative offices on Tuesday and Wednesday, with essential and emergency personnel will remain on-duty to ensure public safety.
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(FOX Weather)
Winter weather alerts are in effect for seven states from the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas through South Carolina, which includes several major metropolitan areas.
Houston and New Orleans are among areas included in a Winter Storm Warning, while Winter Storm Watches are in effect across portions of Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.
Tallahassee and other portions of northern Florida are currently under a Winter Storm Watch, which is the first time that’s occurred since 2014.
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(FOX Weather)
The FOX Forecast Center said parts of Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi could receive 3-5 inches of snow on Tuesday, while most other locations will receive 1-2 inches.
The Florida Panhandle and parts of southern Georgia could be in for a bigger mess.
As the low-pressure system moves off to the east and strengthens, warm air will be pulled in over the Southeast.
This graphic shows the forecast ice accretion along the Gulf Coast and in the South.
(FOX Weather)
With that warmer air aloft, snowflakes will begin to melt as they fall from the sky and will then have the opportunity to refreeze at the surface or remain rain.
Currently, the FOX Forecast Center expects anywhere from 0.10-0.25 inches of ice accretion, but that could change.