❄️ WINTER WEATHER PREPARATION ❄️

Arctic Front & Extended Cold Weather | Friday–Tuesday

A significant arctic cold front is expected to move into Texas beginning Friday, January 23rd, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and the potential for freezing conditions and winter precipitation lasting through Tuesday, January 27th. Cold weather impacts may persist for several days, so preparations should be completed by tomorrow, Thursday, January 22.

What to Expect:

• Friday evening: Arctic cold front reaches Southeast Texas
• Friday night–Saturday: Rapid temperature drop as freezing air pushes south
• Saturday–Monday: Prolonged cold conditions with hard freeze potential
• Freezing temperatures possible across much of Southeast Texas
• Wind chills in the teens and 20s overnight
• Ice and/or snow accumulations possible
• Hazardous travel conditions primarily beginning Saturday

🚗 Travel conditions may deteriorate starting Saturday and continue through the weekend and into early next week. Staying off roadways is strongly recommended if you don’t have to be out.

What to Do:

✔️ Winterize and protect exposed pipes and plumbing
✔️ Shut off and drain sprinkler systems
✔️ Open cabinets for sinks located on exterior walls
✔️ Bring pets and sensitive plants indoors; provide shelter for livestock
✔️ Stock reasonable essentials for a 2–3 day cold weather event
✔️ Limit time outdoors and dress in layers
✔️ Use heating sources safely

⚠️ Unprotected tropical vegetation will likely be killed; even protected plants may suffer damage.

What NOT to Do:

❌ Don’t rush out and hoard supplies
❌ Don’t drive unless absolutely necessary once freezing conditions develop
❌ Don’t use gas grills, generators, or heating devices indoors
❌ Don’t leave pets outdoors without adequate shelter

What the City Is Doing:

👷Coordinating across all departments
👷Preparing municipal facilities for extended cold weather
👷Ensuring essential services remain operational
👷Pre-treating and preparing roadways as conditions warrant
👀Monitoring conditions and community needs throughout the event

🧾 BOTTOM LINE

✔️ Prepare
✔️ Be smart
❌ No need to build a TP bunker

Follow the City of Katy Office of Emergency Management for updates as conditions change, and sign up for KTAlerts (📲https://bit.ly/KTALERT) to receive emergency notifications directly.

Stay safe. Stay warm. ❄️