Houston, TX – The Houston area is preparing for a winter storm that could bring freezing temperatures and icy conditions, raising concerns for drivers throughout the region. Local officials are urging residents to avoid travel whenever possible to prevent accidents.
While Houston is not typically known for cold weather, previous freezes have shown how quickly ice can form on roadways, creating hazardous conditions. During a January 2024 freeze, ice contributed to 251 crashes, highlighting the dangers of winter driving in the region, according to Mayor John Whitmire.
Incident Overview
Transportation officials noted that although it is impossible to predict exactly where ice will form, certain roadways in Houston have repeatedly been ice-prone during past freezes. Drivers are strongly encouraged to avoid these roads if freezing temperatures occur.
Roadways with Repeated Ice Hazards
Freeways and Highways
- Interstate 10 (IH-10) – East westbound at Dell Dale Blvd, Katy eastbound at IH-610 West Loop / US-290 direct connectors, East frontage road eastbound at Normandy Street
- Interstate 45 (IH-45) – Gulf northbound from FM 1959/Dixie Farm Rd to IH-610 South Loop; Gulf southbound from IH-610 South Loop to FM 1959/Dixie Farm Rd; North northbound from IH-610 North Loop to Spring Creek; North southbound at the McKinney exit ramp and from Spring Creek to IH-610 North Loop
- Interstate 610 (IH-610) – West Loop northbound at IH-69 Southwest exit ramp
- Interstate 69 / US-59 (Eastex and Southwest Freeway segments) – Multiple stretches, including northbound from IH-610 North Loop to the San Jacinto River and southbound from Townsend to IH-610 North Loop
- Beltway 8 – Multiple interchange ramps at IH-45 North, IH-69 Eastex, and IH-69 Southwest
- State highways and toll roads – SH-146 (Fred Hartman and Kemah Bridges), SH-225 westbound from Tidal Road to Beltway 8 East, SH-249 Tomball Parkway, SH-6, SH-99 Grand Parkway (North and West segments)
- U.S. highways – US-290 Northwest between IH-610 West Loop and Harris–Waller County line, US-90 eastbound from IH-10 East / IH-610 East Loop to the San Jacinto River, US-90 westbound from the San Jacinto River to IH-10 East / IH-610 East Loop
Major Surface Roads
- NASA Road 1 eastbound between IH-45 Gulf and SH-146
- FM 1093 (Westheimer) eastbound and westbound between Harris–Fort Bend County line and IH-610 West Loop
- FM 1960 eastbound and westbound between US-290 and SH-249
- FM 2920 eastbound and westbound between US-290 and SH-249
- BS-90 / Old Beaumont Highway eastbound and westbound between IH-610 North Loop and Crosby Freeway
- Westpark Tollway westbound at Harris–Fort Bend County line
- SH-124 northbound at Galveston–Chambers County line
Safety Tips During Freezing Conditions
Officials advise that the safest option is to stay home if freezing temperatures are forecast. Drivers who must travel are urged to:
- Drive slowly and maintain extra distance from other vehicles
- Avoid sudden stops or turns to prevent skidding
- Keep an emergency kit in vehicles, including blankets, food, and water
- Monitor local weather updates and road conditions
- Be especially cautious on known ice-prone roads highlighted above
Freezing conditions can turn Houston-area roads and highways into extremely dangerous environments, even for experienced drivers.
Conclusion
Houston faces a potential winter storm with freezing temperatures and icy roads, putting drivers at risk across the region. Roads with a history of ice formation, including IH-10, IH-45, IH-69, Beltway 8, and major surface streets, should be avoided if possible. Officials emphasize that staying home is the safest choice during hazardous winter weather.
