Houston Area Under Extreme Cold Warning Amid Snow Melt Risks
Houston faces an extreme cold warning from Tuesday night through Wednesday morning, with temperatures expected to plunge into the teens. The melted snow may refreeze into ice, creating hazards such as black ice on roads. Residents are urged to take precautions against the cold and protect their health and safety.
Tuesday afternoon saw temperatures in the Houston area rise above freezing, causing some snow accumulation to begin melting. However, an extreme cold warning is set to take effect Tuesday night, with temperatures predicted to fall rapidly into the low 20s and high teens. The National Weather Service has announced this warning commencing at 6 p.m. and lasting until 9 a.m. on Wednesday, forecasting an overnight low of 18 degrees.
As temperatures fall, the melted snow poses a risk of refreezing into ice by Wednesday morning, with wind chill values expected to dip to between 10 and 15 degrees. The extreme cold warning builds upon a previous cold weather advisory that was set to expire Tuesday evening. The warning affects multiple counties across Southeast Texas, including Harris, Montgomery, and Brazoria among others.
Meteorologist Frank Billingsley, contributing to the special coverage of the storm, expressed concerns regarding the potential for hazardous icy conditions developing on roadways. “The snow has stopped, so that’s good; the problem is it’s still very cold out,” he remarked. He emphasized that the melting snow would likely refreeze overnight, creating challenging conditions.
Billingsley advised residents to be particularly wary of “black ice,” which is nearly invisible and may lead to dangerous situations for unsuspecting drivers. He echoed the remarks of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo about the importance of waiting for the temperature and conditions to improve. “As we move into Wednesday afternoon, we can expect better conditions once the sun warms the area,” he stated.
The National Weather Service included reminders for the extreme cold warning, urging individuals to dress in layers, utilize hats and gloves, and keep pets indoors. Furthermore, precautions should be taken to protect sensitive plants, and proper care must be exercised when using generators or portable heaters, explicitly advising against their use indoors.
As the Houston region braces for severe winter weather, the National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning in response to an impending drop in temperatures. This warning comes as the area deals with the aftermath of recent snowfall, which has raised concerns about ice formation on roads. The combination of subfreezing temperatures, wind chill effects, and the risk of refreezing snow presents significant challenges for residents and local authorities.
In summary, Houston is set to experience extreme cold conditions following a brief period of warmer weather. With the possibility of refreezing melted snow and the emergence of black ice, caution is advised for all travelers. Residents are encouraged to adhere to safety guidelines issued by the National Weather Service to avert potential hazards during this extreme weather event.
Original Source: www.houstonpublicmedia.org
