Monday, January 26, 2026
Houston is currently facing hazardous travel conditions as a deep freeze follows the weekend’s winter storm. While the precipitation has largely stopped, sub-freezing temperatures have caused standing water to freeze, creating dangerous patches of black ice—especially on bridges, overpasses, and elevated ramps.
🚨 Major Houston Road Closures & Hazards
According to Houston TranStar and TxDOT, the following areas are seeing significant impacts or total closures as of this afternoon:
- SH-288 Managed Lanes: TOTAL CLOSURE in both directions between the Harris/Brazoria County Line and Wheeler.
- IH-45 North (at Airline Dr): Frontage lanes are heavily impacted and restricted through 3:00 PM today.
- IH-610 North Loop (Westbound): Main lanes and frontage roads are impacted between Gellhorn Dr and Wallisville Rd.
- US-290 (Northwest Freeway): Significant icing has been reported on main lanes near the Brazos River and the Waller-Harris County Line.
- SH-99 (Grand Parkway): Multiple overpasses in the Cypress area are covered in ice. Ramps at Riley Fuzzel Rd and areas near Mueschke Rd remain treacherous.
- Beltway 8-East (Northbound): Frontage lanes are impacted from IH-10 East to US-90.
- SH-35 (Southbound): One main lane is CLOSED at Park Place Blvd due to hazardous conditions.
❄️ Is there ice on the roads right now?
Yes. Although some main lanes are passable with caution, officials warn that “black ice” is the primary threat today.
- The Freezing Line: Temperatures remain in the mid-to-high 20s. Any moisture from Sunday’s sleet and freezing rain has likely hardened into ice.
- Elevated Surfaces: Bridges and overpasses freeze much faster than ground-level roads. Police Chief Noe Diaz warned residents, “Don’t let the sunlight fool you; there are still wet patches that are actually frozen.”
🗺️ Live Traffic & Closure Resources
Stay updated in real-time by using these official tools:
- Houston TranStar Icy Road Map: View a live list of the 16+ current icy roadway locations.
- Drive Texas (TxDOT): Interactive map showing statewide closures and treatments.
- Phone Updates: Call (800) 452-9292 for automated road condition reports.
⚠️ Safety Reminders
- City Closures: All non-emergency City of Houston offices, Municipal Courts, and many local school districts (including Houston ISD) are CLOSED today.
- Driving Advice: If you must go out, avoid using cruise control, increase your following distance to at least three times the normal length, and brake gently.
- Hard Freeze Tonight: Another hard freeze is expected tonight with lows in the teens. Road conditions may not fully improve until Tuesday afternoon.
Houston Icy Roads: FAQs & Safety Tips
As the winter storm continues its grip on Houston this Monday, January 26, 2026, staying informed is your best defense. Below are the most frequently asked questions and essential safety tips to navigate the day.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are the roads actually icy, or just wet? A: Both. While the sun may be out, temperatures remain below freezing. Moisture on the road has turned into black ice, which is invisible and extremely slippery. If a road looks “wet” but isn’t splashing under tires, assume it is ice.
Q: When will the roads be safe again? A: Not until temperatures rise consistently above 32°F. Forecasters expect a hard freeze tonight, meaning any melted slush will re-freeze. Conditions are expected to remain hazardous until Tuesday afternoon.
Q: Is it safe to drive an SUV or truck with 4WD? A: 4WD helps you go, but it doesn’t help you stop on ice. Heavy vehicles can actually be harder to control once they start sliding. No vehicle is “ice-proof.”
Q: What if I get into a minor accident? A: If your vehicle is driveable, move it to the shoulder or a safe parking lot to avoid secondary collisions. On icy roads, one accident often leads to a chain reaction. Call 311 for non-emergencies or 911 if there are injuries.
🚗 Essential Winter Driving Tips
If you absolutely must venture out, follow these “Survival Rules”:
- The “Double Rule”: Double your following distance and double your braking time. It takes much longer to stop on ice than on dry pavement.
- Steer Into the Skid: If your rear wheels start to slide, gently turn your steering wheel in the same direction the back of the car is moving. Do not slam on the brakes; ease off the gas instead.
- Avoid the “Big Three”: Stay off bridges, overpasses, and ramps whenever possible. These surfaces freeze first because they are exposed to cold air from both above and below.
- Lights On: Keep your headlights on at all times—not just for you to see, but so others can see you through any lingering mist or glare.
- Treat Outages as Stops: If you encounter a traffic light without power, treat it as a four-way stop.
🎒 Recommended Emergency Car Kit
Keep these items in your vehicle today in case you become stranded:
- Jumper cables (cold weather is brutal on batteries).
- A heavy blanket or sleeping bag.
- Flashlight (with extra batteries).
- Portable phone charger.
- Bag of sand or kitty litter (to provide traction under tires if stuck).
- Bottled water and non-perishable snacks.
Note: Many city services are delayed. Most municipal buildings and city offices will not open until noon today (Monday, Jan 26), and some will remain closed entirely.