Katy Braces for Potential Historic Freeze
- ncookclark
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
January 22, 2026
By Natalie Cook Clark
The City of Katy is preparing for a potentially historic freeze that could span across communities and states in areas not accustomed to such frigid conditions. Here’s what you need to know to be ready.
The Katy area is projected to experience temperature drops in the low 20’s Sunday through Tuesday but that is after a significant amount of precipitation (rain, sleet, and some snow) is predicted. These conditions are perfect for a deep freeze and dangerous black ice that will likely form on our roads, especially anything elevated like overpasses.
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for our region from Saturday January 24 2026, through 6:00 PM CST Sunday January 25, 2026. While exact impacts in Katy are still being refined, confidence is increasing in potentially hazardous cold and a risk of freezing rain during that window.
Tomorrow will be a big day for Katyites to prepare. On Saturday, temperatures are expected to drop but winter weather isn’t expected in Katy until Saturday early evening.
Because of these predictions, City of Katy officials are closely monitoring the situation.
The City of Katy Office of Emergency Management is a great resource and one every local resident should be following on Facebook. They are urging residents to be prepared by Friday afternoon and encourage everyone to winterize pipes and outdoor plumbing.
Prepare for the Freeze
(Tips compiled from multiple local agencies)
Winterize pipes and outdoor plumbing
Frozen pipes are always a concern when it gets below freezing. There are ways to try and prevent this headache and expense.
Check your sprinkler or irrigation systems and make sure everything is turned off and drained.
Disconnect garden hoses from faucets and drain all hoses thoroughly. Store them out of the elements like in a garage or shed.
Insulate or wrap pipes completely as any exposure to cold air can freeze them.
Locate the water shit off valve in case of an emergency.
If you have a tankless water heater, refer to the owner’s manual.
The greater Houston area has a history of power outages during severe weather events. CenterPoint Energy has released a statement as they too prepare for the weather.
We continue to diligently monitor the evolving weather forecasts across the communities we serve in Texas ahead of this weekend’s potential winter weather. Our teams are well prepared, executing work in advance and will be ready to respond to any impacts from the forecasted conditions, including icy weather, high winds and wintry precipitation,” says Don Daigler, CenterPoint’s Senior Vice President, Emergency Preparedness and Response. “We will remain alert throughout the week and continue to coordinate with local officials as our communities take steps to prepare. We urge our customers to stay weather alert as conditions continue to develop and have an emergency plan in place.”
The company has moved additional personnel here ahead of the freeze and are already taking actions to prepare.
In a further statement, they remind everyone to always assume that downed lines or wires are energized and dangerous.
Even with advanced preparations, power outages can occur. Katy residents are urged to stock up and prepare to be without power.
If the power goes out and residents use generators, please follow the following tips:
Only run outdoor generators at least 20 feet from your home.
Direct exhaust away from doors and windows to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Never run an outdoor generator indoors or in a garage.
Protect the Pets
Always a big concern during winter weather is pets. Keep them inside and always look out for strays. Help them get to shelters ahead of the freeze if possible. Harris County requests residents to call 832-927-7297 if they see a dog out in the cold.
Many local events are canceling ahead of the winter storm. When making plans, check websites and social media to verify the event or venue is open.
School Info
Everyone wants to know what school are doing. Katy ISD has posted on all social medias that as of now (January 22, 2026) they are following a normal instructional day. Yet, they will continue to provide updates based on the weather. Stay informed and follow your campus.
Stay safe Katy!
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