Public Service Update: Winter Storm Advisories and Essential City Service Interruptions

Emergency Winter Weather Warning

The City of Houston and surrounding areas are currently under a Winter Storm Warning and Extreme Cold Warning as of Sunday, January 25, 2026. A powerful winter system is moving through Southeast Texas, bringing freezing rain, significant ice accumulation on bridges and overpasses, and dangerously low temperatures. Residents are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel through Monday morning as road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly. Public safety officials remind the community to protect the 'Four Ps': People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants. Emergency warming centers have been activated for those needing shelter from the freeze.

Transportation and Transit Alerts

Houston METRO has announced significant service modifications due to the impending ice. On Sunday, January 25, METRORail trains are operating at a reduced frequency to ensure track safety. All other transit services, including local bus routes, METROLift, and curb2curb services, remain suspended. High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and park-and-ride facilities are also closed. Officials will reassess road conditions on Monday to determine when full service can safely resume. Residents should check the METRO website for real-time updates before attempting any transit travel.

Solid Waste Management and Facility Closures

The Solid Waste Management Department has suspended all residential collection services scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026. This suspension includes garbage, recycling, and yard waste. All department facilities, including Neighborhood Depositories and Environmental Service Centers, are closed today and will remain closed tomorrow. Affected collections will be delayed by one day throughout the week. Additionally, several major city attractions, including the Houston Zoo and Space Center Houston, are closed this Sunday to ensure the safety of staff and visitors during the storm.

Election Notice: CD-18 Special Runoff

The Harris County Clerk’s Office has announced that all early voting centers for the Congressional District 18 Special Runoff Election are closed today, Sunday, January 25, and will remain closed on Monday, January 26. These closures are necessitated by hazardous weather and icy road conditions. Voters are encouraged to monitor official election channels for the revised early voting schedule leading up to the January 31 Election Day.

Public Health Advisories

• Screwworm Advisory: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a health advisory regarding the New World screwworm. While primarily affecting livestock, the parasitic larva has been detected near the Texas border. Residents are advised to keep open wounds covered and monitor for unusual infections.
• Flu Surge: Health officials report a sharp increase in flu activity across the Houston region. Families are encouraged to practice frequent handwashing and stay home if experiencing symptoms, as pediatric cases have seen a notable spike this month.