HOUSTON – At a press conference late Monday afternoon, county leaders reminded the public about the dangers associated with a dramatic drop in temperatures.
"We just want to be really safe and I think the safest for most people would be, if at all possible, either stay home or plan to go home early tomorrow," Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said.
A winter storm warning is going into effect overnight, and there is a possibility of freezing rain and sleet.
WATCH: Houston TranStar officials provide updates on wintry weather
And that could prove messy on the roads.
"The morning commute will actually be OK, but then, getting home tomorrow afternoon is where we could see some ice buildup, especially on the bridges and overpasses," Jeff Lindner, with Houston Flood Control District, said.
To get ahead of any issues on the roadways, the Texas Department of Transportation and city crews have been treating trouble spots such as overpasses and bridges.
READ: School closings, delays in Houston area because of winter weather
The big concern is the potential for black ice.
"The temperature is going to fall throughout the day and so you begin to see ice form mid- to late morning into the afternoon hours and into the evening hours of Tuesday," Lindner said.
The county's Emergency Operations Center is set to open Tuesday morning. Area residents are asked to keep a close eye on the weather situation.
"People will be working at their stations and all the various groups, elements of responding to emergency, will be here," Emmett said.
With the temperature expected to take a tumble across the area, the sound of road crews out de-icing trouble spots, such as overpasses and bridges, will be a familiar one.
Crews for the city of Houston and TxDOT have already been doing it for days.
"I think, at this point, we are urging everybody to err on the side of caution," Emmett said.
County leaders also spent the day warning residents about the dangers that come with the wintry mix of weather expected Tuesday into Wednesday that will likely include freezing rain, sleet and even black ice on roadways.
While the drive into work may be OK, the ride back home may prove problematic.
"The temperature is going to fall throughout the day and so you begin to see ice form mid- to late morning into the afternoon hours," Lindner said.
Many people we talked to at an area Lowe's have already stocked up on such items as heaters and fire logs.
While some are choosing to stay in rather than take a chance outdoors, others who have to get out for work said they plan to be extra careful.
"I'm worried about ice but I do have to work. But hopefully the highways don't freeze up, but if they do, I'm just going to take it easy and get out there. Hopefully, everything will be OK," Shameeka Franklin said.
What is the danger?
According to the National Weather Service, an arctic cold front will move through the area tonight bringing a wintry mix of rain, freezing rain and sleet.
A Winter Storm Warning for multiple counties including Harris and multiple surrounding counties. It will be in effect from 3:00 am Tuesday to midnight on Wednesday.
Residents should monitor the forecasts, especially before the Tuesday morning commute and throughout the day for possible changing conditions. Driving conditions could become hazardous if accumulation occurs.
Closures
- Harris County Offices may be closed tomorrow due to the weather. Please call before going to any locations for services.
- Harris County officials have decided that jury calls are canceled for tomorrow.
What you need to do:
Monitor local forecasts throughout the day for changing conditions, especially before you start driving. Listen to local officials for any road closures and safety information.
When temperatures drop below 32-degrees, even a thin layer of water on the roads and highways can turn to slick ice, making for dangerous driving conditions.
- Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
- Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
- Be especially careful on bridges and overpasses.
- Know your vehicle and how it operates. Not all cars respond the same to slippery roads.
Remember to protect the “Four P’s”: People, pets, pipes, and plants.
People:
- Keep warm, stay inside if possible.
- If you need to go out, dress in layers and wear hats, gloves and an appropriate coat.
- Avoid overexertion, as cold weather puts added strain on your body.
Observe heater safety:
- Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
- Keep heat sources at least 3 feet away from furniture and drapes.
- Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
Pets:
- Bring pets inside, and move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas.
- Keep adequate food and water available.
Pipes:
- Disconnect outdoor hoses, drain and store in protected area.
- Wrap exposed faucets and pipes - including those outside the house or in unheated crawl spaces, attics, garages and other areas.
Plants:
- Bring potted plants inside or store in garage near interior wall to provide extra warmth and protection from wind.
- For cold-sensitive outdoor plants, put down extra mulch and consider covering with a cloth fabric of some kind to shield the plants from wind and frost.
Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector and never using generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors.