Get ready, Houston – snow might be coming to our city next week! While it’s not every day that we see snow in our part of Texas, the forecast is showing promising signs of winter weather.
As temperatures drop, it’s important to know how the city is preparing for the cold. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming weather and the city’s response to possible snow and ice.
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No snowplows in Houston
If you’re used to seeing snowplows clearing roads up north, don’t expect the same in Houston. According to Erin Jones with the City of Houston Public Works, the city doesn’t own any snowplows. Instead, they focus on pre-treating the roadways with brine, a saltwater solution, to prevent ice from forming. They plan to begin this process Sunday night or early Monday morning.
Pre-treating roadways with brine
Houston’s strategy is to pre-treat roads with brine, which helps prevent snow and ice from sticking to the pavement. However, the city has only a handful of trucks capable of applying brine, and with 16,000 lane miles of roads to cover, there’s simply not enough to treat every street.
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While brine can help with major roads and intersections, including bridges and overpasses, it won’t reach side streets. The city advises residents to avoid traveling on snowy or icy roads as much as possible since side streets will rely solely on Mother Nature to melt the snow and ice.
Snow in the forecast
Now for the exciting part: if you’re hoping for a snow day, KPRC 2 Chief Meteorologist Anthony Yane says Monday night into Tuesday morning may bring the snow you’ve been waiting for. Both the American and European weather models show snow in the forecast, with totals expected to range from 2″ to 6″ in Houston.
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The good news? The low is in just the right spot, and the blue in weather maps shows snow falling right over Houston. Whether you’ll get the full 6″ or just a dusting, it looks like Houston will be experiencing its own winter wonderland.
What to expect on the roads
While the City of Houston won’t be clearing side streets, their focus will be on the main roads and intersections, especially the busy ones, to keep traffic moving. But, as the weather unfolds, be prepared for road closures and delays, and make sure to watch us on KPRC 2, our live stream, and download (if you haven’t already) our StormTracker App.
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If you’re hoping for a snow day, this could be the moment you’ve been waiting for! Just remember, when it comes to icy conditions, stay safe, stay home, and let Mother Nature work her magic.
