HOUSTON – As Houston braces for a rare winter weather event this weekend, forecasters are beginning to narrow down which parts of the metro area could see the greatest impacts from freezing temperatures, icy roads and lingering flooding concerns.
While the forecast is still evolving, current guidance from the National Weather Service shows some areas are more vulnerable than others heading into Saturday.
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Right now, the highest risk for ice accumulation appears to be north and northwest of downtown Houston, particularly areas north of I-10. This includes parts of north Harris County, The Woodlands, Cypress, and communities stretching toward Montgomery County.
These locations are expected to drop below freezing sooner and remain colder longer, increasing the chance that rain falling earlier in the week could turn into freezing rain or refreeze on roadways.
Forecasters say even light ice accumulation, around a tenth of an inch, can make roads extremely dangerous, especially on bridges and overpasses. Elevated roadways across the entire Houston area are considered high-risk, regardless of neighborhood, because they cool faster and freeze first once temperatures drop below 32 degrees.
Areas that typically experience poor drainage or standing water could also face problems. Rain expected before the freeze may leave behind pooled water that could freeze overnight, creating isolated slick spots on streets, parking lots and sidewalks, even in parts of central and southern Houston.
While the core of the ice threat currently favors areas north of I-10, meteorologists stress that small shifts in the storm track or timing could change which neighborhoods see the worst impacts.
If colder air arrives faster or moisture lingers longer than expected, freezing rain could push farther south into the Houston metro.
Residents are urged to stay weather-aware and monitor updated forecasts as the weekend approaches, especially those in northern suburbs and anyone who may need to travel Saturday.
Even minor changes in timing could significantly affect road conditions across the region.