Icy Roads Reported in Houston Area and Southeast Texas Due to Freezing Temperatures and Precipitation
Houston, Texas – The Houston area and Southeast Texas are experiencing icy roads due to freezing temperatures and precipitation. Bridges and elevated roadways are particularly susceptible to freezing, and several crashes have already been reported. Officials are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel. Stay informed about the latest road conditions and closures by listening to local news and traffic reports or visiting the websites of local transportation agencies.
Icy Road Conditions
Houston Transtar has reported icy road conditions in various locations, including:
- IH-45 North Northbound at Beltway 8-North Left Interchange Ramp and Right Interchange Ramp
- Beltway 8-North Eastbound at IH-45 North Left Interchange Ramp and Right Interchange Ramp
- Hardy Toll Road Northbound at FM-1960 All Mainlanes, Left Shoulder, and Right Shoulder
- West Sam Houston Tollway Southbound at US-290 Northwest Exit Ramp, Left Interchange Ramp, and Right Interchange Ramp
- Westpark Tollway Eastbound at IH-69 Exit Ramp
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez has reported ice at the following locations:
- Mainlines of SH 99, with multiple crashes at the SH 249 interchange
- 22300 block of the North Freeway mainlanes
- 22600 Hardy Toll Road main lanes
- 1800 FM 1960
- 6800 Cypresswood
- 19100 SH-249
The Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management has reported “slick conditions” near Fulshear and Simonton. I-10 eastbound mainlanes are completely closed at FM 359. The Fort Bend Pct. 1 Constable reports icing on the SH 99 overpasses from I-10 south to FM 1093, with SH 99 southbound at Cinco Ranch closed.
Montgomery County OEM has advised that bridges and overpasses are experiencing icing. Roads with reported icing include Walden road, Lone Star Parkway at Buffalo Springs, FM 1097, I-45, Hwy 242, I-69, FM-1488, Old Conroe Road, FM 1774, SH 99, and Highway 105 in both directions.
Closures and Advisories
Numerous road closures have been implemented due to the icy conditions. Please note that these closures may change or expand as the situation evolves:
- US-290 Northwest Westbound at Beltway 8-West is closed from Monday, January 15, 2024, at 9:00 AM.
- SH-99 Lanier Pkwy – North Westbound at US 59 Eastex Frwy to Riley Fuzzel Rd All Mainlanes are closed from Monday, January 15, 2024, at 9:00 AM.
- FM-1960 Westbound at E Lake Houston Pky to Atascocita Shores Dr All Mainlanes are closed from Monday, January 15, 2024, at 9:00 AM.
- US-290 Northwest Westbound between Gessner Rd to Field Store All Mainlanes are closed from Monday, January 15, 2024, at 9:00 AM.
Advice for Drivers
Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas. If you must drive, please allow extra time to reach your destination and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. Be prepared for sudden stops and turns, and use your headlights even during the day to increase visibility.
Stay informed about the latest road conditions and closures by listening to local news and traffic reports or visiting the websites of local transportation agencies. For the latest updates, click here.Adhere strictly to these guidelines:
Stay safe on the roads, Houston!