Houston weather: Latest watches, warnings, advisories ahead of arctic blast

HOUSTON - The impacts of the latest arctic blast are starting to be felt across the state of Texas. In the Houston area, expect steady temperatures near freezing all day with wind chills in the teens.

Light freezing rain or sleet is possible, and a hard freeze is expected tonight with lows in the low 20s.

SUGGESTED: ERCOT urging power conservation for Monday morning

The National Weather Service has issued several watches and warnings ahead of the arctic blast:

- A hard freeze warning is in effect for Grimes, Walker, and Washington County from midnight until 10 a.m. on Monday. Sub-freezing temperatures near or below 24 degrees are expected.

- A hard freeze warning is in effect for San Jacinto, Polk Montgomery, Liberty, Colorado, Austin, Waller, Harris, Chambers, Wharton, Fort Bend, Jackson, Matagorda, Brazoria and Galveston counties from 12 a.m. Tuesday to 9 a.m. Wednesday.

A freeze warning is in effect for Matagorda, Brazoria, and Galveston counties from 2 a.m. to noon Tuesday.

- A winter weather advisory is in effect for much of the FOX 26 viewing area starting at 6 p.m. Sunday evening through 6 p.m. Monday evening. There is the possibility of light freezing rain/drizzle and sleet coming into the area. As a result, total ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch may result in icy patches on elevated roadways such as bridges and overpasses.

- A wind chill advisory has also been issued for counties north of Houston, including Grimes, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Waller, and Walker County from midnight until 9 a.m. Monday morning. Very low wind chills are expected, as low as 10 degrees above zero. If you must travel, it is highly recommended to dress warmly and cover exposed skin.

- A wind chill advisory has been issued for Chambers, Brazoria, Galveston, Liberty, Harris, Matagorda, Brazoria and Galveston counties from 12 a.m. Tuesday until noon Tuesday.

As a result of the freezing weather, it is highly advised that you make all the necessary precautions, including the four 4 P's: People, plants, pets, and pipes. 

You can also stay in the know with the very latest on the arctic blast by downloading the free FOX 26 Weather App for your Apple or Android smartphone. The app will keep you updated around the clock with the latest weather advisories, watches, and warnings. And you will also be able to view our live stream with the latest weather coverage.