Ice is creating dangerous travel conditions across Houston. Use this live tracker to see which roads are closed and where conditions are worsening.
HOUSTON — Road conditions across the Houston area are rapidly changing as a winter storm brings freezing rain, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures to Southeast Texas.
Why roads become dangerous so quickly in Houston
Ice forms when rain falls through warmer air aloft, then passes through subfreezing air near the surface, freezing on contact with roads, bridges, trees, and power lines.
In Southeast Texas, even a trace to around a tenth of an inch of ice can make roads extremely hazardous. Overpasses, elevated roadways, and untreated surfaces tend to freeze first — often before drivers realize conditions have changed.
Because Houston is not built for prolonged freezing conditions, ice buildup can quickly overwhelm roadways, making travel dangerous even for experienced drivers.
Below, you’ll find a live, interactive list of roadways currently closed due to ice, powered by Houston TranStar. This page will be updated as conditions evolve and closures are added or cleared.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said, around 12:30 p.m., that the flyovers from US 290 to the Grand Parkway were shut down due to ice. It’s unclear how long the ramps will be closed.
Gonzalez, around 3:30 p.m., said the westbound exit of the South San Houston Parkway eastbound at 288 was shut down and drivers were diverted to the feeder road.
Check icy road closures in real time
How Houston roads were treated ahead of the storm
Ahead of the freezing weather, crews from the Texas Department of Transportation worked to slow the formation of ice on major roadways.
TxDOT crews sprayed a brine solution — a mixture of salt and water — on major freeways and secondary roads, including corridors like I-10, the 610 Loop, and Highway 290. Crews began treating some roadways Thursday and continued through Friday morning, moving in convoys to cover as much of the region as possible.
The brine works by lowering the freezing point of moisture on the pavement, making it harder for ice to bond to the roadway and helping improve traction. However, officials stress that brine does not prevent ice entirely, especially when temperatures fall well below freezing.
If road conditions worsen, crews will begin spreading a gravel and salt mixture to help break up ice and create traction so emergency vehicles can still move through the city. Even then, officials warn that seeing gravel on the road does not mean it is safe to drive.
Drivers are also urged to give brine convoys plenty of space while crews are working.
What the forecast means for road conditions
According to the KHOU 11 Weather Team, a Weather Impact Alert remains in effect for Sunday and Monday due to ice and a hard freeze.
Winter Storm Warning for Harris County and surrounding areas Saturday and Sunday, including the immediate Houston area and coastal communitiesExtreme Cold Warning across the Houston area this weekend, with the coldest temperatures expected Monday morningIce Storm Warning for areas north of Houston, including Madisonville, Trinity, Coldspring, Shepherd, Groveton, Corrigan, Livingston, Huntsville, and Crockett
Sunday is expected to be the most dangerous travel day, with freezing rain, ice accumulation, and temperatures in the upper 20s to low 30s. Conditions are expected to remain hazardous into Monday morning as temperatures drop further, slowing any melting.
Even small amounts of ice can create widespread problems, especially if heavier icing north of the Houston metro disrupts power transmission into the region.
When to check this page
This page is designed to be a check-before-you-go resource during the storm. Drivers should:
Check the Houston TranStar closure list before travelingAvoid unnecessary travel during icy conditionsStay off roads during the “stay put” period recommended by forecasters
Throughout the winter storm, KHOU 11 will continue to provide updates on TV, on the KHOU 11 mobile app, and on KHOU 11+.