Mayor's Press Release
Mayor Whitmire Urges Houstonians to Stay Safe Ahead of Arctic Freeze
Mayor Whitmire discusses storm preparations and safety precautions
January 20, 2025 -- Mayor John Whitmire urges Houstonians to prepare for a potentially dangerous arctic freeze that is expected to arrive late Monday evening. During a Sunday evening news conference alongside public safety and emergency management leaders, the mayor stressed the importance of drivers staying off the roads starting late Monday to avoid hazardous conditions and risking their personal safety.
"We're doing everything we can as a city to prepare for this winter storm. We will be here to keep you safe and respond to emergencies, but we need your help," Mayor Whitmire said. "Please limit your activities and stay home if you can. We don't want you to risk your life or jeopardize the safety of our police officers and firefighters if they have to rescue you when you could have stayed home. Our first responders must remain focused on critical incidents as conditions worsen."
To help residents in need, 10 warming centers opened across Houston at 6 p.m. Sunday and will remain open until Thursday or until temperatures significantly rise. Free rides to the centers are available by calling 3-1-1.
On Sunday night, Mayor Whitmire and Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz joined the HPD Homeless Outreach Team to personally check on unhoused individuals and other vulnerable residents and encourage them to take shelter at a warming center.
By Sunday night at 10 p.m., more than 450 individuals had heeded the mayor's advice.
During Sunday’s news conference, Mayor Whitmire shared additional key updates as the city continues its preparations for the incoming arctic freeze:
- MLK Day Parades: Despite the approaching weather, Houston police also will provide security for the two MLK Day parades scheduled for Monday morning. The city remains committed to ensuring the celebrations are safe for all attendees.
- Road Safety Measures: Houston Public Works began pretreating overpasses on Sunday morning and will apply a second round of brine on Monday to reduce ice accumulation and improve road safety.
- City Operations: Only essential City of Houston personnel are required to report to work on Tuesday, following the holiday.
- Houston Municipal Courts will be closed on Tuesday, January 21.
- Airport Closures: Houston Airports will close starting at midnight Tuesday morning. Travelers are encouraged to monitor updates and adjust plans accordingly.
- METRO: Due to anticipated inclement weather and icy road conditions, all METRO services will be suspended for the evening beginning at 9 p.m. Monday.
The mayor and public safety and emergency personnel will provide additional updates on Monday. Additional information is available at https://houstonoem.org/.