Houston-Area Schools and Businesses Brace for Winter Weather Closures on Tuesday, January 16, 2024

A Deep Freeze Descends Upon Texas

As an icy grip tightens around Texas, the Houston metropolitan area is bracing for a polar plunge on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Extreme cold and wind chill conditions, expected to reach bone-chilling lows, have prompted widespread closures across the region, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students, employees, and the community at large.

School Districts Prioritize Student Safety

Numerous school districts in the Houston area have announced closures for Tuesday, January 16, to ensure the safety of students and staff amidst the forecasted inclement weather. Here’s a comprehensive list of affected schools:

• Houston Independent School District (HISD): All HISD campuses and facilities will remain closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Angleton ISD: Classes and activities in Angleton ISD will be canceled on Tuesday, January 16, prioritizing student and staff safety.
• Boling ISD: Boling ISD joins the closures, ensuring the well-being of students and staff during the extreme cold.
• Brazosport College: Classes and operations, including the Bill & Julia May Children’s Center, will be suspended on Tuesday, January 16.
• Centerville ISD: Centerville ISD stands in solidarity, closing all schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16.
• Cleveland ISD: Cleveland ISD joins the effort, closing all campuses and facilities on Tuesday, January 16. Additionally, the warming centers at Cleveland Middle School and Santa Fe Middle School will extend their operating hours until 5 PM for enrolled students and families.
• Conroe ISD: Conroe ISD prioritizes safety, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16.
• Dayton ISD: Dayton ISD joins the closures, canceling classes and activities on Tuesday, January 16, due to the forecasted weather conditions.
• Galena Park ISD: Galena Park ISD follows suit, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to safeguard students and staff.
• Goodrich ISD: Goodrich ISD ensures the well-being of students and staff, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16.
• Katy ISD: Katy ISD takes a proactive stance, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to protect students and staff from the severe cold.
• Montgomery ISD: Montgomery ISD joins the closures, closing all schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, due to the anticipated weather conditions.
• New Caney ISD: New Caney ISD stands in solidarity, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16.
• New Waverly ISD: New Waverly ISD prioritizes safety, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to protect students and staff.
• Pro-Vision Academy: Pro-Vision Academy in Rosharon, TX, joins the closures on Tuesday, January 16, due to the anticipated weather conditions.
• Tarkington ISD: Tarkington ISD takes a proactive approach, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, due to the forecasted severe weather conditions.
• Texas A&M University: Texas A&M University cancels classes on Tuesday, January 16, to protect students and staff from the extreme cold.
• Sealy ISD: Sealy ISD joins the effort, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to prioritize student and staff safety.
• Smart Scholars Academy: Smart Scholars Academy in Rosharon, TX, closes its doors on Tuesday, January 16, due to the anticipated weather conditions.
• Southwest Public Schools: Southwest Public Schools prioritize safety, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to protect students and staff from the extreme cold.
• Spring ISD: Spring ISD stands in solidarity, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16.
• Tomball ISD: Tomball ISD takes a proactive stance, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to ensure student and staff safety.
• Waller ISD: Waller ISD joins the effort, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to prioritize student and staff well-being during the extreme weather.
• Royal ISD: Royal ISD takes a proactive approach, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to protect students and staff from the severe cold.
• Channelview ISD: Channelview ISD stands in solidarity, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16.
• Wharton County Junior College: Wharton County Junior College closes its doors on Tuesday, January 16, with no scheduled classes or extracurricular activities. All campuses will be closed, and the Wharton County Junior College Board of Trustees meeting has been canceled and rescheduled.
• Pasadena ISD: Pasadena ISD joins the effort, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, due to the anticipated weather conditions.
• Cypress-Fairbanks ISD: Cypress-Fairbanks ISD takes a proactive stance, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to prioritize student and staff safety.
• Crosby ISD: Crosby ISD joins the effort, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16.
• Needville ISD: Needville ISD takes a proactive approach, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to protect students and staff from the severe cold.
• Hempstead ISD: Hampstead ISD stands in solidarity, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to ensure student and staff safety.
• Clear Creek ISD: Clear Creek ISD joins the effort, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, due to the forecasted weather conditions.
• Alvin ISD: Alvin ISD takes a proactive stance, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to prioritize student and staff well-being.
• Pearland ISD: Pearland ISD joins the effort, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to protect students and staff from the extreme cold.
• Spring Branch ISD: Spring Branch ISD stands in solidarity, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16.
• Texas City ISD: Texas City ISD takes a proactive approach, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, due to the forecasted weather conditions.
• Santa Fe ISD: Santa Fe ISD joins the effort, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16.
• La Porte ISD: La Porte ISD prioritizes safety, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to protect students and staff.
• Humble ISD: Humble ISD takes a proactive stance, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to ensure student and staff safety.
• Friendswood ISD: Friendswood ISD joins the effort, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16.
• Magnolia ISD: Magnolia ISD takes a proactive approach, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, due to the forecasted weather conditions.
• Alvin Community College: Alvin Community College classes and offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 16, to ensure the safety of students and staff.
• Alief ISD: Alief ISD stands in solidarity, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16.
• Dickinson ISD: Dickinson ISD takes a proactive approach, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, to protect students and staff from the severe cold.
• Sheldon ISD: Sheldon ISD joins the effort, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16.
• Splendora ISD: Splendora ISD takes a proactive approach, closing schools and facilities on Tuesday, January 16, due to the forecasted weather conditions.
• Calvin Nelms Charter Schools: Calvin Nelms Charter Schools close their doors on Tuesday, January 16, to protect students and staff from the extreme cold.
• Galveston College: Galveston College will be closed on Tuesday, January 16, to ensure the safety of students and staff.
• College of the Mainland: College of the Mainland closes its doors on Tuesday, January 16, to prioritize student and staff safety.

Businesses Prioritizing Employee Safety

In addition to school closures, numerous businesses in the Houston area have announced closures or modified operations for Tuesday, January 16, to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. These closures include:

• Houston Methodist: Houston Methodist’s outpatient clinics and administrative offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Texas Children’s Hospital: Texas Children’s Hospital will be closed on Tuesday, January 16, except for the emergency department and inpatient services.
• MD Anderson Cancer Center: MD Anderson Cancer Center will be closed on Tuesday, January 16, except for emergency services.
• Memorial Hermann: Memorial Hermann’s outpatient clinics and administrative offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• H-E-B: H-E-B stores in the Houston area will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Kroger: Kroger stores in the Houston area will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Walmart: Walmart stores in the Houston area will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Target: Target stores in the Houston area will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Best Buy: Best Buy stores in the Houston area will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Home Depot: Home Depot stores in the Houston area will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Lowe’s: Lowe’s stores in the Houston area will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• AMC Theatres: AMC Theatres in the Houston area will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Regal Cinemas: Regal Cinemas in the Houston area will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Cinemark Theatres: Cinemark Theatres in the Houston area will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Houston Zoo: The Houston Zoo will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Houston Museum of Natural Science: The Houston Museum of Natural Science will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• The Children’s Museum of Houston: The Children’s Museum of Houston will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• The Houston Symphony: The Houston Symphony will cancel its performance on Tuesday, January 16.
• The Houston Ballet: The Houston Ballet will cancel its performance on Tuesday, January 16.
• The Houston Grand Opera: The Houston Grand Opera will cancel its performance on Tuesday, January 16.

Local Government and Public Services

Local government offices and public services in the Houston area will also be affected by the anticipated inclement weather. These closures and modifications include:

• Harris County Government: Harris County government offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• City of Houston Government: City of Houston government offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Fort Bend County Government: Fort Bend County government offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Montgomery County Government: Montgomery County government offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Brazoria County Government: Brazoria County government offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Galveston County Government: Galveston County government offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• METRO: METRO bus and rail services will be suspended on Tuesday, January 16.
• Houston Public Library: Houston Public Library branches will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Harris County Public Library: Harris County Public Library branches will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Fort Bend County Library: Fort Bend County Library branches will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Montgomery County Library: Montgomery County Library branches will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Brazoria County Library: Brazoria County Library branches will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.
• Galveston County Library: Galveston County Library branches will be closed on Tuesday, January 16.

Stay Informed and Take Precautions

As the severe weather approaches, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest weather updates and safety guidelines. Local news stations, the National Weather Service, and official government websites are reliable sources for accurate information. Additionally, ensure you have a well-stocked emergency kit with essential supplies like food, water, first aid supplies, and flashlights. Keep your devices charged and have a backup charging method in case of power outages. If you must venture outdoors, dress in layers and wear appropriate footwear for the icy conditions. Drive carefully and allow extra time for your commute. Remember, your safety and the safety of your loved ones are of utmost importance during these challenging weather conditions.