13 warming centers opening in Houston as Winter Storm Fern approaches

Updated Jan. 23, 3:30 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service, dangerous cold weather is expected to move through the Houston region starting Jan. 23, with most of the Greater Houston area now under a winter storm warning.

The details

Based on the latest update, the Greater Houston area is expecting “disruptive winter storm conditions” starting at 6 a.m. on Jan. 24 until 6 p.m., Jan. 25. An extreme cold warning is in effect from Jan. 24-26.

“We have also added an extreme cold watch for Monday night into Tuesday morning. Again, our key messages for today is that preparations should be completed today,” said NWS officials. “We are expecting a dangerous week.”

Posted Jan. 22, 5:42 p.m.

Harris County and city of Houston officials are taking a number of precautionary steps ahead of Winter Storm Fern, including unveiling 13 warming centers across the Greater Houston area.

The update

According to the National Weather Service, Winter Storm Fern is expected to move through the region starting Jan. 24 and bring freezing temperatures through Jan. 27. Officials with the NWS also noted wind chills will likely range from 5-15 degrees, which poses hypothermia and frostbite risks with prolonged exposure.

In a Jan. 22 news conference, officials with Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones’s office and the city of Houston announced a total of 13 warming centers will be opened Jan. 24 for the public. The centers are spread across the Houston area at the following locations:

Acres Homes Multi-Service Center: 6719 W. Montgomery Road, HoustonBayland Community Center: 6400 Bissonnet St., HoustonDenver Harbor Multi-Service Center: 6402 Market St., HoustonFifth Ward Multi-Service Center: 4014 Market St., HoustonFonde Community Center: 110 Sabine St., HoustonKashmere Multi-Service Center: 4802 Lockwood Drive, HoustonMagnolia Multi-Service Center: 7037 Capitol St., HoustonMetropolitan Multi-Service Center: 1475 W. Gray St., HoustonMoody Community Center: 3725 Fulton St., HoustonNortheast Multi-Service Center: 9720 Spaulding St., HoustonSouthwest Multi-Service Center: 6400 High Star Drive, HoustonSunnyside Multi-Service Center: 4410 Reed Road, HoustonThird Ward Multi-Service Center: 3611 Ennis St., HoustonPrecinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey said county parks will be closed over the weekend, and water amenities such as water fountains and bathrooms will be limited Jan. 23.

“Water amenities such as restrooms, drinking fountains and concession usage will be limited starting on Friday, Jan. 23,” Harris County Precinct 3 officials said. “The parks will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 24, and reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 28, with limited access to water amenities.”

What else?

School districts across the Greater Houston area have already cancelled a number of weekend extracurricular activities. However, no schools have announced closures as of press time. Several have advised parents of students to stay alert for any potential announcements over the weekend.

The following school districts have cancelled or postponed weekend athletic, academic and theatrical events:

Aldine ISDCy-Fair ISDHouston ISDKlein ISDPearland ISDSpring ISDTomball ISDResidents are encouraged to keep track of local school district info through social media and district websites.