<p>Houston: Houston is bracing for a significant Arctic blast, with freezing temperatures, icy conditions, and even a chance of snow expected to arrive early next week.</p><p>The rare event has set preparations into motion across the city, with officials and residents taking swift action to stay ahead of the storm.</p><p>The cold front is forecast to bring bitterly cold air and the potential for freezing rain, with temperatures expected to remain below the freezing point for several days. By midweek, sleet and snow may arrive, creating conditions that are both exciting and challenging for a city that averages snow only once every four years.</p><p>As weather reports became more urgent, Houston residents flocked to supermarkets to stock up on essentials. Grocery store aisles were bustling with shoppers preparing for potential disruptions, with milk, bread, and bottled water flying off the shelves. Many supermarkets shelves are empty and people are running from one store to another for many essential commodifies.</p><p>Local leaders have ramped up their response efforts. Mayor John Whitmire held a press conference with Harris County Judge to outline the city's comprehensive plan. Ten warming centres have been announced, set to open Sunday evening to provide shelter from the cold.</p><p>BARC, the city’s animal shelter, will provide kennels at these centres to accommodate pets, ensuring families don’t have to leave their furry companions behind. Meanwhile, Houston Public Works and the Texas Department of Transportation began pre-treating roads, focusing on bridges, overpasses, and major highways to prevent dangerous ice buildup.</p><p>“We’re doing everything as a city to prepare for this weather that’s moving in,” Mayor Whitmire said, urging residents to safeguard their homes and loved ones by protecting pipes, plants, and pets.</p><p>The city will also provide security for large events, including the marathon and two Martin Luther King Jr. Day parades. Meanwhile, schools have already announced closures for Tuesday, January 21, as a precaution against icy road conditions and potential power outages.</p>.A winter stroll through Belagavi .<p>CenterPoint Energy crews are on high alert, having trimmed 3,500 miles of trees to prevent outages and installed heaters on critical infrastructure to protect the power grid. “We’re ensuring our system is resilient and prepared for any ice damage,” said Michelle Hundley of CenterPoint Energy.</p><p>The anticipation of snow has stirred excitement in some, particularly children, hoping for a rare snow day. However, Houston is approaching the Arctic blast with caution and preparation. For many, it’s not just about enduring the cold—it’s about staying safe and coming together as a community to weather the storm.</p>
<p>Houston: Houston is bracing for a significant Arctic blast, with freezing temperatures, icy conditions, and even a chance of snow expected to arrive early next week.</p><p>The rare event has set preparations into motion across the city, with officials and residents taking swift action to stay ahead of the storm.</p><p>The cold front is forecast to bring bitterly cold air and the potential for freezing rain, with temperatures expected to remain below the freezing point for several days. By midweek, sleet and snow may arrive, creating conditions that are both exciting and challenging for a city that averages snow only once every four years.</p><p>As weather reports became more urgent, Houston residents flocked to supermarkets to stock up on essentials. Grocery store aisles were bustling with shoppers preparing for potential disruptions, with milk, bread, and bottled water flying off the shelves. Many supermarkets shelves are empty and people are running from one store to another for many essential commodifies.</p><p>Local leaders have ramped up their response efforts. Mayor John Whitmire held a press conference with Harris County Judge to outline the city's comprehensive plan. Ten warming centres have been announced, set to open Sunday evening to provide shelter from the cold.</p><p>BARC, the city’s animal shelter, will provide kennels at these centres to accommodate pets, ensuring families don’t have to leave their furry companions behind. Meanwhile, Houston Public Works and the Texas Department of Transportation began pre-treating roads, focusing on bridges, overpasses, and major highways to prevent dangerous ice buildup.</p><p>“We’re doing everything as a city to prepare for this weather that’s moving in,” Mayor Whitmire said, urging residents to safeguard their homes and loved ones by protecting pipes, plants, and pets.</p><p>The city will also provide security for large events, including the marathon and two Martin Luther King Jr. Day parades. Meanwhile, schools have already announced closures for Tuesday, January 21, as a precaution against icy road conditions and potential power outages.</p>.A winter stroll through Belagavi .<p>CenterPoint Energy crews are on high alert, having trimmed 3,500 miles of trees to prevent outages and installed heaters on critical infrastructure to protect the power grid. “We’re ensuring our system is resilient and prepared for any ice damage,” said Michelle Hundley of CenterPoint Energy.</p><p>The anticipation of snow has stirred excitement in some, particularly children, hoping for a rare snow day. However, Houston is approaching the Arctic blast with caution and preparation. For many, it’s not just about enduring the cold—it’s about staying safe and coming together as a community to weather the storm.</p>