Houston Braces for Historic Snowfall as Winter Storm Warning Issued

HOUSTON, Texas – A rare and potentially historic snowstorm is expected to hit Houston on Monday night, with forecasts predicting two to four inches of snow across much of the area and up to six to seven inches in some parts. The Winter Storm Warning, issued through Tuesday evening, has residents preparing for what could be one of the most significant snow events in the city’s history.

Chief Meteorologist Mike Iscovitz highlighted the rarity of such snowfall in Houston, noting that the Valentine's Day snowstorm of 1895 remains the city’s all-time record with 20 inches of snow. Galveston, a nearby coastal city, received 15 inches during that same storm. “This upcoming event could challenge the second-highest snowfall total of 4.4 inches recorded on Feb. 12, 1960,” Iscovitz said.

Houston has experienced only a handful of notable snow events in its history. The White Christmas of 2004 brought one inch of snow to the city, while areas like Brazoria and Fort Bend Counties saw two to three inches. Victoria and Bay City, further south, experienced a heavy snowfall streak of nine to twelve inches. The years 2008 and 2009 marked the only back-to-back years with measurable snow in Houston’s recorded history.

Residents are also recalling the 2021 winter storm, which left millions of Texans without power amid freezing temperatures. “That event was a wake-up call for the state,” said FOX 26 meteorologist John Dawson. “This time, we’re expecting more snow than freezing rain, which is easier to manage.”

With temperatures expected to remain below freezing on Monday morning and a high of only 39 degrees, officials are urging residents to stay indoors and prepare for hazardous conditions. Several Houston-area school districts have already announced closures for Tuesday and Wednesday.

As the storm approaches, Houstonians are bracing for what could be a record-breaking event. “We don’t often see snow like this,” Iscovitz added. “It’s a reminder of how unpredictable Texas weather can be.”