News
The Woodlands Township Winter Weather Advisory for This Weekend
Weather authorities and The Woodlands Township are monitoring the potential for frozen precipitation and a hard freeze this weekend following the arrival of an arctic cold front Friday night. Residents are encouraged to complete preparations by Friday afternoon and take precautions to stay safe and warm throughout the cold weather event.
The Woodlands Township urges residents to remain weather aware and continue monitoring updates from the National Weather Service.
PREPARE
Remember the four Ps of preparation: People, Pets, Pipes and Plants.
People: Ensure your household has adequate food, water, batteries and medications. Keep warm clothing and blankets readily available. Check on neighbors and relatives and limit time outdoors.
Pets: Have sufficient food, water and medications on hand and provide pets with a warm indoor shelter. Do not leave pets outside during cold or freezing temperatures.
Pipes: Wrap exterior pipes and faucets to protect against freezing. Shut off and drain sprinkler systems. Open cabinets near plumbing on exterior walls to allow warm air to circulate.
Plants: Bring potted plants indoors when possible and cover sensitive outdoor plants as needed.
STAY INFORMED
Visit the Township’s Alerts webpage with links to emergency preparedness that include county resources, power outage maps and more. Residents are encouraged to sign up for Township Alerts to receive timely updates. Information will also be shared through the National Weather Service, local news outlets and Township social media channels including Facebook, X and Instagram.
Sign up for Township Alerts at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/alerts. Those who wish to receive notifications specific to The Woodlands Express bus service may subscribe to Express Bus Alerts at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/subscribe.
TOWNSHIP SERVICE UPDATES
The following Township services will be impacted by the winter weather storm:
- Park restrooms will be closed beginning Saturday morning through at least Monday depending on when they can be safely reopened. Water will be shut off and waterlines blown out to prevent pipe damage due to extended freezing temperatures.
- Riva Row Boat House, Lakes Edge Boat House and Swans at the Mall Boat House will close at 3 p.m. Saturday and remain closed on Sunday.
- Texas TreeVentures will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.
- The Woodlands Recycling Center will be open Saturday and operate normal hours.
- Both Recreation Centers will be open Saturday and operate normal hours.
- Town Center Trolleys are expected to operate normal hours Saturday. Sunday and Monday operations will be determined based on roadway and pathway conditions.
At this time, determinations have not been made regarding Monday operations for Township services including Town Hall and other facility hours, The Woodlands Express bus service and Waste Management trash pickup. These decisions are expected to be made Sunday. Any updates will be communicated as soon as they become available.
HEATING SAFETY
Home heating is a leading cause of home fires and fire related injuries in the United States. To reduce risk, keep at least three feet of clearance around heating equipment, test smoke alarms regularly and install a carbon monoxide monitor with a battery back up.
When using a fireplace, burn only hardwoods and remember that fireplace ashes can remain hot enough to start a fire even up to 48 hours later. Dispose of ashes in a metal container, add water and never place them in plastic trash cans. Never use generators, grills, camp stoves or similar devices indoors as they can release deadly carbon monoxide.
POWER OUTAGES
Ice accumulation on trees and power lines may result in power outages. Residents can monitor outages by following Entergy and CenterPoint online. Monitor power outages in our area by following Entergy and CenterPoint online.
Entergy
Phone: 800-968-8243
Website: entergy.com/view-outages
CenterPoint
Phone: 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143
Website: gis.centerpointenergy.com/outagetracker
WATER SERVICE PROVIDERS
Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst; if this happens, shut off your water supply immediately. Contact your water provider for information on how to turn off water to your home.
Woodlands Water
Phone: 855-426-7283
Website: woodlandswater.org
Harris County MUD No. 386
Phone: 281-290-6503
Website: mdswater.com/districts/harris-montgomery-counties-mud-386
ROAD CONDITIONS
Icy road conditions can be extremely dangerous; avoid driving if possible and stay off the roads to ensure your safety. Houston TranStar, Northstar Montgomery County and DriveTexas.org will provide updates to road conditions throughout the Greater Houston region and state. Both Montgomery and Harris County along with TxDOT will be treating roads and monitoring icy conditions.
WARMING CENTERS
Various regional public and private partners will be opening warming centers during this freeze event. Harris County has provided a list of warming centers on its website at readyharris.org and you can monitor Montgomery County centers by following them on social media and visiting their website at mctxoem.org.
ONLY CALL 9-1-1 IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY
Remember to only call 9-1-1 for emergencies. Do not call 9-1-1 for non-emergency situations. For non-urgent assistance, please use your local law enforcement’s non-emergency number. Call 9-1-1 only when immediate help is needed from police, fire, or emergency medical services.
Non-Emergency Numbers
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office: 936-442-7797 or 281-297-6500 during business hours
Harris County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4: 281-376-3472
Source: The Woodlands Township
