Official City Notice: Winter Storm Fern Response and Emergency Service Updates

Emergency Alert: Winter Storm Fern and Extreme Cold Warning

The City of Houston and Harris County officials have issued an emergency bulletin regarding Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to bring disruptive winter conditions and dangerously low temperatures to the region. An extreme cold warning is in effect from Saturday, January 24, through Monday, January 26, 2026. Residents are urged to complete all cold-weather preparations immediately, focusing on the protection of people, plants, pipes, and pets. Wind chills are forecasted to range between 5 and 15 degrees, posing significant risks of hypothermia and frostbite with prolonged exposure.

Activation of Municipal Warming Centers

In response to the freezing forecast, the City of Houston has activated 13 emergency warming centers to provide shelter, food, and bedding for those in need. These facilities will open at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24. Mayor Whitmire has emphasized that these centers are open to all residents, regardless of immigration status. Key locations include:

• Acres Homes Multi-Service Center: 6719 W. Montgomery Road
• Fonde Community Center: 110 Sabine St.
• Metropolitan Multi-Service Center: 1475 W. Gray St.
• Kashmere Multi-Service Center: 4802 Lockwood Drive
• Bayland Community Center: 6400 Bissonnet St.

METRO Transit and Public Service Adjustments

Due to impending weather conditions, Houston METRO has announced significant service adjustments for Saturday, January 24. While rail lines will continue to operate on a regular weekend schedule, all bus, METROLift, curb2curb, and HOV lane services will shut down early at 9:00 p.m. Additionally, the Houston Zoo will remain closed from Saturday through Monday, January 26. Harris County criminal and civil courts will be closed on Monday, with operations expected to resume on Tuesday.

Public Health Advisories: Screwworm and Product Recall

The Houston Health Department is highlighting a nationwide CDC advisory regarding the New World screwworm. While no cases have been identified within the United States, an established population of the parasitic larva has been confirmed in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas near the Texas border. Residents and livestock owners are advised to monitor for unusual wounds. Furthermore, a standing health notice remains for a total recall of all ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula following a multi-state botulism outbreak. Caregivers should immediately cease use of this product.

Infrastructure and Major Road Closures

Several significant construction projects will impact travel this weekend. Total closures are in effect through 5:00 a.m. Monday for the Northbound Entrance Ramp at Cavalcade Street and the Northbound Connector Ramp to IH-610 North Loop. On I-10, lane reductions remain near the White Oak Bayou elevation project. In Sugar Land, southbound lanes from University Boulevard to Riverbrook Drive will be closed Saturday from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for maintenance.