Houston to Witness Polar Vortex

Houston officials are stepping up preparations for a severe polar cold wave, polar vortex, expected to affect the area through Tuesday morning, January 27, with freezing temperatures and icy conditions likely to disrupt daily life.

Mayor John Whitmire said the approaching storm could put significant pressure on roads and critical infrastructure, confirming that all city departments have been instructed to review emergency plans and ensure equipment readiness. 

He also plans to urge residents to limit travel, warning that driving conditions could become dangerous.

Brian Mason, Director of Emergency Management, noted that forecasts are still evolving but increasingly indicate intense cold, with heavier ice accumulation possible in areas north of Houston. 

Within the city, lighter ice is expected, though even thin layers could make roads hazardous and complicate power restoration efforts if outages occur.

Temperatures may fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chills approaching single digits in northern parts of the region. 

While officials do not currently expect a widespread power crisis, they cautioned that ice-related damage to transmission lines could still lead to localized outages, adding that close coordination with CenterPoint Energy is ongoing.