Houston Braces for Rare Winter Storm, Schools Close Across Region

HOUSTON, Texas – A rare winter storm is set to hit southeast Texas, prompting widespread school closures and warnings of hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Houston area, with predictions of 2 to 3 inches of snow and potential ice accumulation starting late Monday, January 20, 2025, through Wednesday, January 22.

Over 30 school districts, including Houston ISD, Katy ISD, and Conroe ISD, have announced closures for Tuesday and Wednesday due to the anticipated severe weather. “Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” the National Weather Service stated. “The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning, Tuesday evening, and Wednesday morning commutes.”

Humble ISD, one of the largest districts in the region, cited “hazardous roadway conditions” as the reason for its closure. “The safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” said a district spokesperson. Similar statements were echoed by other districts, including Spring ISD and Klein ISD, which also canceled all extracurricular activities.

FOX 26 meteorologist John Dawson warned that the storm could bring not only snow but also freezing rain and icy conditions. “There will likely be a few spots north of Houston that even see 3, 4, or 5 inches of snow,” Dawson said. “Unfortunately, that does come with some hazards. Ice may also be mixed in with the snow, and there is a chance that the snow could be slushy, causing it to briefly melt and then freeze overnight.”

Local authorities are urging residents to stay off the roads if possible. “We are making this decision based on the latest predictions of weather conditions and the high potential of snow and freezing rain throughout the area, which could impact safety on area roadways,” said a spokesperson for Spring ISD.

In addition to school closures, several universities, including Prairie View A&M and Rice University, have canceled classes for Tuesday. Baylor College of Medicine and MD Anderson Cancer Center have also announced closures for outpatient appointments and procedures.

The storm is expected to taper off by Wednesday afternoon, with temperatures gradually rising into the weekend. However, the immediate focus remains on safety. “We encourage everyone to prioritize their safety and exercise caution when traveling,” said a spokesperson for Montgomery ISD.

This winter event is particularly unusual for Houston, where significant snowfall is rare. Chief Meteorologist Mike Iscovitz noted that this storm could be one of the most memorable in recent history. “While the exact locations of significant snow are still uncertain, it definitely looks like 2 to 3 inches of snow in the greater Houston area are possible,” Iscovitz said.

Residents are advised to monitor local news and official district communications for updates on school and business operations as the storm progresses.