HOUSTON – Mayor John Whitmire and the City of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management provided Houstonians with an overnight update Sunday morning as freezing conditions continue across the region.
City leaders said the worst of the freeze stayed north of Houston, crediting both favorable conditions and early preparation for helping the city avoid major impacts. While temperatures remained a significant concern, officials said residents largely stayed safe by heeding warnings to remain off roadways.
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As of Sunday, Whitmire said 940 residents took shelter at one of the city’s 12 warming centers. All warming centers remained operational with backup generators, as the mayor credited the city’s coordination with CenterPoint Energy.
Whitmire said the centers will remain open again through Monday night as another round of bitter cold temperatures are expected.
The mayor thanked residents for staying off the roads and noted that many churches shifted to remote services. METRO Houston was also praised for safely transporting riders during hazardous conditions.
The Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department reported minimal incidents. HPD reported said no major crashes or roadway emergencies, largely because residents avoided unnecessary travel. The Houston Fire Department reported zero fatalities related to carbon monoxide exposure, responding to only eight carbon monoxide alarms throughout the freeze.
Fire officials reminded residents to use generators safely, keeping them at least four to five feet away from homes, and warned against running generators or burning fires inside garages.
City officials also addressed infrastructure concerns, confirming a 12-inch water main break occurred but did not significantly impact overall water pressure. TxDOT and Houston Public Works crews continued treating roads as icy conditions persisted overnight.
Officials warned that temperatures were expected to drop below freezing again Sunday night into Monday morning, with ice likely forming on roadways.
Residents were urged to protect pipes, pets, and vulnerable neighbors. City leaders said they would assess conditions and impacts further on Monday.