Severe Winter Storm Threatens Houston with Freezing Rain, Extreme Cold

Urgent weather alerts issued as arctic front sweeps into southeast Texas this weekend

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:54am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, white, and blue, depicting a severe winter storm with heavy snow and ice obscuring the horizon and dwarfing any physical structures or vehicles caught within the scene, conveying the overwhelming power of nature.As an arctic front sweeps into Houston, a severe winter storm threatens the region with freezing rain, extreme cold, and the potential for widespread power outages and travel disruptions.Houston Today

A major winter storm is impacting Houston and southeast Texas, prompting urgent weather alerts. As an arctic front sweeps into the region, residents are facing significant challenges as freezing rain and bitter cold temperatures loom. The Winter Storm Alerts issued for the area will be in effect from Saturday morning at 6 a.m. until Sunday evening at 6 p.m., with forecasts indicating that freezing rain will reach all the way to the Gulf Coast.

Why it matters

The combination of freezing rain and extreme cold temperatures could lead to widespread power outages, hazardous travel conditions, and other disruptions across the Houston metropolitan area. Past winter storms have caused significant damage and left many residents without power for days, so local authorities and utility companies are taking extensive precautions to prepare for the incoming weather system.

The details

An Extreme Cold Warning has also been set in place from Saturday through Monday due to the arrival of a frigid air mass. This could result in severe freezing conditions and the possibility of wind chills dropping below zero on Monday morning. Businesses in the Houston area are proactively closing their doors as they prepare for treacherous road conditions, potential power outages, and dangerously low temperatures this weekend. Flight operations are also severely affected, with over 200 cancellations reported across Houston's airports.

  • The Winter Storm Alerts will be in effect from Saturday morning at 6 a.m. until Sunday evening at 6 p.m.
  • The Extreme Cold Warning will be in place from Saturday through Monday.

The players

Nathan Brownell

Vice President of Resilience and Capital Delivery at CenterPoint Energy, the local utility company preparing for potential power outages.

Elyse Smith

ABC13 Meteorologist providing comprehensive weather updates on the incoming winter storm.

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What they’re saying

“Every single one of our crew members is currently stationed throughout our systems. We have 13 operating centers along with two staging sites prepared for action.”

— Nathan Brownell, Vice President of Resilience and Capital Delivery, CenterPoint Energy

“For a comprehensive weather update, check in with ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith's Need to Know Weather report.”

— Elyse Smith, Meteorologist

What’s next

The situation is expected to worsen overnight, as significant ice accumulation is forecasted across most of Southeast Texas. This could lead to considerable travel disruptions and further power outages. Residents are advised to closely monitor the evolving conditions and prepare adequately for the incoming winter storm.

The takeaway

This winter storm highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events. Residents should heed the urgent weather alerts, stay informed, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the freezing rain and extreme cold conditions.