Summary (tl;dr)

The Greater Houston area experienced a significant winter storm over the weekend, leading to hazardous icy road conditions, widespread power outages, and travel disruptions as residents contended with freezing temperatures and precipitation.

Essential Background

Leading up to the past weekend, the Greater Houston area and Southeast Texas were under winter storm warnings, with forecasts indicating freezing rain and ice accumulation. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) took proactive measures, pre-treating major roadways and overpasses with a brine solution to minimize ice formation and improve traction. Utility providers, including CenterPoint Energy, also activated their Emergency Operations Centers in anticipation of potential power interruptions caused by the severe weather.

The Full Story

An arctic front brought freezing temperatures, precipitation, and brisk winds to the Greater Houston region from January 25-26, 2026. While some initial forecasts predicted a more severe "ice-apocalypse," the direct impact was somewhat mitigated in central Houston as surface temperatures remained slightly above freezing during key periods of precipitation. However, areas north and northwest of downtown Houston, particularly on elevated roadways, bridges, and overpasses, experienced significant ice accumulation, creating dangerous driving conditions. This resulted in numerous road closures across the region, including parts of major arteries like Interstate 45, Texas 242, Texas 288, and Texas 99.

The winter weather also led to power outages affecting thousands of customers. CenterPoint Energy reported approximately 2,000 customers without power as of the morning of January 25, with around 27,000 having been restored since the start of the storm. Entergy Texas, serving the northern and eastern parts of the Greater Houston area, reported about 3,100 customers without electricity as of January 26. Additionally, air travel was impacted, with some flights canceled at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. While conditions were slowly improving on Monday, January 26, officials continued to caution residents about lingering icy spots and urged them to drive with care.

Why It Matters

The surge in searches for "road conditions near me," "txdot road conditions," "houston road conditions," and "is there ice on the roads right now" underscores the public's urgent need for real-time information to ensure their safety and plan their movements during and after a winter storm. Similarly, inquiries about "power outage houston" highlight the critical impact of infrastructure disruptions on daily life and the community's reliance on prompt updates from utility companies. The widespread interest in these keywords demonstrates the significant concern among residents regarding travel safety, essential services, and the overall impact of severe winter weather on a region not typically accustomed to such conditions.

Geographic Location

• Greater Houston area, Harris County, Texas, United States (winter storm, icy road conditions, power outages, flight cancellations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport)
• Montgomery County, Texas, United States (icy road conditions)
• Brazoria County, Texas, United States (icy road conditions along Texas 288)