Winter Storm Warning Leads to School Closures in Houston

Houston school buildings covered in snow as winter storm approaches

News Summary

A winter storm warning has prompted widespread school closures across the Houston area. Heavy snowfall and icy conditions are expected, with several school districts, including Katy ISD and Humble ISD, canceling classes on January 21 and 22. Officials are monitoring road safety closely as they prepare for significant snowfall and freezing temperatures that may affect students and staff. Communities are advised to prepare for potential prolonged closures and difficult travel.

Houston – A Winter Storm Warning is currently in effect for much of southeast Texas, prompting several school districts in the Houston area to cancel classes on Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The warnings are indicative of expected snowfall and ice, which could lead to hazardous conditions on roadways.

The following school districts have announced closures due to anticipated severe weather: Humble Independent School District (ISD), Katy ISD, Friendswood ISD, Montgomery ISD, Tomball ISD, Spring ISD, Klein ISD, Houston ISD, and Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, among others. All campuses in these districts will be closed, along with any after-school activities.

Specifically, Katy ISD and Humble ISD have highlighted concerns regarding hazardous roadway conditions as the primary reason for their closures. Friendswood ISD indicated that they are closing schools not only for classes but also for after-school activities, in light of projections for inclement weather. Similar messages were echoed by Montgomery ISD, which cited expected snowfall and freezing rain, as well as road safety.

Furthermore, Tomball ISD will be closed due to the anticipated winter weather, having initially closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20. Other districts including Cleveland ISD, Waller ISD, Dickinson ISD, and Sweeny ISD have also declared closures on January 21 and 22 for the same reasons.

The National Weather Service has reported that Houston could see snow accumulation ranging from 2 to 5 inches, which is expected to create icy and slushy road conditions that may freeze overnight. The freezing temperatures could lead to complications for travel and public safety.

School officials have stated that decisions regarding reopening will be evaluated on a day-by-day basis, considering local weather forecasts and safety assessments. As such, schools will remain closed until conditions are deemed safe for students and staff to return.

This winter storm warning affects not only larger districts but also smaller ones, including Barbers Hill ISD, Bay City ISD, and others, all of which will be closing on January 21 due to safety concerns arising from the anticipated weather conditions.

With the approaching winter storm, families are advised to take necessary precautions and prepare for the possibility of prolonged closures and difficult travel conditions. Local authorities may provide additional updates as weather conditions evolve in the days leading up to the school closures.