KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 20, 2025
By Natalie Cook Clark
A winter storm is expected to impact Katy starting tonight. Authorities urge residents to prepare. Katy ISD will be Tuesday and Wednesday. Students are home today for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
This Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be one to remember as Katy residents prepare for a winter storm that is expected to bring extreme cold, ice, and potentially up to five inches of snow. Schools and many businesses are closed today in observance, but now look to an even shorter week because of storm related closures.
A Winter Storm Comes to Katy
A winter storm of severe magnitude is expected to impact Katy and the Houston area starting this evening. The National Weather Service previousa winter storm warning they announced last night remains in effect this morning. Katy is included in a winter storm warning from 6:00 p.m. tonight through 6:00 p.m. tomorrow evening along with an extreme cold watch Tuesday evening through Wednesday.
For updates, follow the U.S. National Weather Service and the City of Katy Office of Emergency Management is good to follow.
Katy ISD announced Sunday that they will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday (January 21 and 22.) The communications put out by the district stated that the decision was made due to the impact of the projected weather conditions on roadways, anticipated student/teacher absences, and potential disruptions to the power supply.
Dangerous Roads Cause Concern
Roads are a major concern and was a big reason as to why Katy ISD decided to close. Authorities caution drivers against the dangerous conditions and hope everyone will stay home. Both airports, Hobby and Bush, have announced that they will be closed on Tuesday. Many local businesses are also closing as a way to keep people home and safe.
“We expect roads and elevated bridges to be icy,” says Fort Bend County Constable Chad Norvell of Precinct 1. “Please stay off the roads and enjoy the snow day at home.”
Protect Your Home
Katy authorities also share information on how to best protect your home. Harris County ESD 48 Fire Department shares tips to protect pipes.
Inspect sprinkler or irrigation systems - ensure that everything is turned off and fully drained.
Identify freezing points in your home - look for pipes in areas that may be susceptible to freezing.
Know how to shut off your water - find your main water shut-off valve.
Fortify your defenses - remove sources of cold air near water lines.
Insulate your pipes - wrap any exposed pipes to shield them from the cold.
Protect Your Pets
With the freezing temperatures, it’s important to remind people that it’s illegal to leave animals outside in such weather. The Houston Humane Society stresses that no pet should be left outside and alone in the freezing weather.
Pet owners can designate a safe spot indoors for pets to go to the bathroom on potty pads. If you do walk your pet outside in this weather, be sure to dry their feet when they get in to avoid chills. Katy pets who must go outside can also wear sweaters to help stay warm.
Local wildlife will be seeking shelter from the cold. Since a car warm engine can be inviting to outdoor animals, like stray cats, be sure to tap the hood of your vehicles before leaving to make sure an animal isn’t hiding there.
“During freezes, wildlife struggle to find water,” says the Houston Humane Society. “Set out a shallow dish of warm water (with rocks) for them to drink safely.”
The Houston Humane Society also cautions residents to not pull any seemingly frozen wildlife off the ground as it could hurt them. Instead, pour warm (not hot) water around them and place them in a secure container. If you need help with wildlife, call 713-468-8972.
Anytime a storm is projected to hit the area people worry about the power grid as past storms have left many Katy residents without power. Some have experienced power outages for extended lengths that makes everyone worry when the grid could be stressed with high demand.
This story will continue to be updated as the city experiences this winter storm threat.