Winter Storm Warning issued for southeast Texas, now is the time to prepare

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for parts of southeast Texas from 9 p.m. Saturday until 6 p.m. Monday.

The warning will be in effect for Trinity, Houston, Madison, Walker, San Jacinto, Polk, Burleson, Brazos, Washington, Grimes, Montgomery, Colorado, Austin, and Waller counties.

A Winter Storm Warning has been also been issued for the rest of southeast Texas (including the city of Houston). Rain will switch over to freezing rain and sleet Sunday evening and last through early Monday afternoon.

Arctic air is moving down the Plains, and we are now predicting the coldest February temperatures in 122 years to reach Houston by Tuesday morning.

A Winter Storm Warning means significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel is expected within 24 hours. Sporadic power outages will be a possibility. Pipes and sprinkler systems may burst if not properly cared for in advance.

You should plan to stay put for at least a day given where you are Sunday night because travel may be extremely hazardous Monday.

* Hypothermia will be a possibility for those not dressed appropriately. Brutally cold wind chill readings of -10 to 10 degrees will be likely Monday through Tuesday morning.

Temperatures will remain stuck in the 30s all weekend, then the winter storm and arctic air will blow in Sunday night and Monday morning.