HOUSTON, Texas – Here’s a look at your top stories to help start your day.
CenterPoint Energy mobilizes 3,300 workers ahead of potentially impactful winter weather event
CenterPoint Energy says it has mobilized about 3,300 workers across the Greater Houston area in preparation for an expected impactful winter weather system this weekend. The crews include internal line workers, contractors and support staff positioned at staging sites to help preserve electric and natural gas services. The utility is also performing pre-storm checks and trimming vegetation to minimize outages, urging customers to stay weather-aware and have emergency plans ready.
Winter weather prompts TxDOT to pre-treat roads, urges caution for drivers
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is proactively pre-treating roadways with brine ahead of the forecasted winter weather, focusing on bridges, overpasses and connector ramps that freeze first. TxDOT officials advise motorists to exercise caution if travel is necessary, while emphasizing safety for essential personnel and first responders. The agency plans to treat the northern parts of the district first and will work with law enforcement on closures as needed.
Houston-area school districts update safety plans, monitor winter weather threats.
Houston-area school districts are adjusting safety plans and communicating with families as winter weather approaches. Houston ISD has already made changes to some athletic and academic schedules. Katy ISD says classes will continue as scheduled, Klein ISD is postponing or rescheduling events, and Fort Bend ISD will issue updates through its digital channels. Districts are tracking the weather threat closely to determine if further changes become necessary.
Flying out of Houston? Airlines issue travel waivers for flights ahead of Winter Storm Fern
Major airlines serving Houston, including American, United, Southwest and Spirit, have issued travel waivers allowing passengers to cancel or rebook flights without change fees as Winter Storm Fern threatens delays and cancellations. Policies vary by carrier but generally cover flights scheduled between Jan. 23–26, with options to rebook within specified timeframes while waiving change fees and, in some cases, refunding fares if flights are significantly disrupted.
Freezing weather heading to Houston: How to protect your pipes before Arctic air arrives
As Arctic air moves into the Houston area, temperatures are expected to dip into the low 30s and 20s, increasing the risk of frozen and burst pipes. Local plumbers recommend steps such as adding foam insulation around exposed pipes or allowing faucets to drip slightly to keep water moving and reduce freezing. Taking simple protective measures now can help avoid costly damage from frozen plumbing during the cold snap.