Houston Dodges Major Ice as Bitter Cold Looms Over Southeast Texas
Houston Dodges Major Ice but Braces for Bitter Cold
Houston and southeast Texas breathed a sigh of relief as the worst of the ice storm passed by, with the freeze line staying north of the city. Officials like Mayor John Whitmire noted the region avoided catastrophe thanks to preparation and milder conditions on bridges, though slick spots linger on overpasses like Highway 99 and US 290. An ABC13 Weather Alert remains active through the weekend, warning of travel hazards and potential outages from icy buildup.[1][2]
Current Conditions and Phase Two Challenges
Surface streets proved passable for cautious drivers, but emergency crews closed ramps and positioned resources countywide. Precipitation has eased, yet temperatures hover near freezing at 24-25 degrees in key areas, with north winds amplifying the chill. Meteorologist Jeff Lindner cautions against complacency as phase two unfolds: extreme cold threatening to refreeze moisture on roads and burst pipes.[1][3]
Stay Safe Amid Ongoing Alerts
Winter Storm Warnings blanket most of southeast Texas, including Ice Storm Warnings farther northeast, alongside Extreme Cold Warnings. Residents heeded calls to stay home, minimizing incidents, while schools and courts closed Monday. Protect against hypothermia, insulate pipes, and monitor updates—hazardous conditions persist into early week.[2][4]
About the Organizations Mentioned
ABC13
**ABC13 Houston** is a **broadcast news organization** serving the Houston, Texas area and surrounding regions for the past 70 years[3]. Officially known as KTRK Television Inc, the station operates as part of the **ABC Owned Television Stations group**, which is owned by the Walt Disney Company[3]. The organization functions as a comprehensive news media company, providing **breaking news, weather updates, traffic information, and sports coverage** for Houston, Harris County, and Texas[2]. With approximately 142 employees[2], ABC13 generates $24.6 million in annual revenue[1] and operates from its headquarters at 3310 Bissonnet Street in Houston[2]. ABC13 maintains a strong commitment to community engagement and journalistic standards. The station offers multiple ways for the public to submit news tips, including a dedicated tip line at 713-669-1313, email at newstips@abc13.com, and an online form[3]. The organization provides content across multiple platforms, including traditional television broadcasting, a website at abc13.com, mobile apps, and a 24/7 streaming channel[5]. The station has built a reputation for **award-winning news content** and maintains a "Center" media bias rating according to AllSides, indicating balanced coverage without predictable political bias[4]. ABC13 actively participates in community-oriented promotions and offers advertising opportunities for local businesses seeking to reach the Houston market[3]. Beyond news operations, ABC13 supports career development through job listings and internship programs[5]. The organization also maintains digital archives, including a vault of vintage video content documenting Houston's history[5]. As Houston's established news leader, ABC13 continues to serve as a primary source for local information and community engagement in Southeast Texas.
