Houston is kind of a mess today, but in that energetic, chaotic way only the Bayou City manages. Honestly, if you aren't bundled up or screaming at a TV screen, are you even in H-Town right now? Between a massive cold snap and the Texans' high-stakes postseason run, the local news Houston TX today is basically a survival guide mixed with a pep rally.
The air is crisp. Too crisp for some. While we usually brag about our mild winters, the thermometer is currently picking a fight with our central heating systems. We're looking at highs barely hitting 60°F this afternoon, and it’s going to get much uglier tonight.
The Big Chill: Pipe Protection and Patchy Frost
Look, we all remember 2021. Any time the forecast mentions "freezing temps," Houstonians collectively lose their minds and head for the plumbing aisle at Home Depot. Today’s weather is a wake-up call. We’re sitting in the upper 50s right now, but the overnight low is expected to dip to 43°F—with patchy frost hitting the suburbs after midnight.
It isn't a deep freeze, but it's enough to kill your hibiscus if you aren't careful. The city is officially under a "cover your plants" alert. If you’re out toward The Woodlands or Katy, expect it to feel a few degrees colder than the inner loop.
Texans Playoff Fever Meets New England Snow
While we’re shivering here, the Houston Texans are currently in Foxborough dealing with actual snow. It’s the NFL Divisional Round, and the city is basically shut down for watch parties. The vibe is tense. New England stands between Houston and its first-ever AFC Championship appearance.
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If you aren't at the game, you’re likely at a watch party. Places like Ale & Ivy in The Woodlands started their "Kickoff Coverage" at 2:00 PM today. It’s packed. The energy is wild because, for the first time in forever, the Texans actually look like they could go all the way.
Rockets and Kevin Durant Chasing History
If football isn't your thing, the Toyota Center is the place to be tonight. The Rockets are hosting the Pelicans at 6:00 PM, and there’s a massive milestone on the line. Kevin Durant—who has been a force since joining the squad—needs exactly 17 points to pass Dirk Nowitzki for 6th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Think about that. 17 points. He could do that in the first half.
The Rockets are currently 24-15, sitting 5th in the West. They’re looking for payback after a brutal blown lead against New Orleans back in December. With Fred VanVleet still out with that knee injury, a lot of the weight is on Amen Thompson and KD. It’s a huge game for playoff seeding, even this early in the year.
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The Morning Commute Was a Disaster
Traffic in Houston is a joke on a good day, but Sunday morning was particularly rough. Around 3:40 a.m., a major rollover crash shut down parts of the North Freeway near West Road. A woman was seriously hurt after her car flipped multiple times and landed on its side.
We also had some lingering drama from Saturday. A 2-alarm warehouse fire at 5710 Savoy Road in Southwest Houston had crews working well into the night. No injuries, thank God, but the Hazmat units had to be called in because of a pile of industrial batteries found inside.
Current Road Closures to Avoid
If you're heading out to grab wings for the game, watch out for these spots:
- FM-1463: Total closure between I-10 and Kingsland Blvd.
- I-45 Gulf: Alternate lanes closed near Broadway through Monday morning.
- Washburn Tunnel: It was closed overnight but should be open now—just check your GPS before you commit to the drive.
Honoring MLK on the East Side
In the midst of the sports and weather chaos, the city paused for something more significant this afternoon. The annual wreath-laying ceremony for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. took place at the MLK Plaza at North New Braunfels and East Houston Street.
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It’s a poignant lead-up to tomorrow’s big event. For the first time in 30 years, Houston’s two major MLK parades are uniting into one "MLK Unity Parade." It starts tomorrow at 10:00 AM in Downtown at Lamar and Smith. If you’re planning to attend, the theme this year is "Embracing the Oneness of Humanity." It’s a big deal for city relations and a rare moment of total solidarity for the local community.
Practical Steps for the Next 24 Hours
The local news Houston TX today isn't just about reading headlines; it’s about navigating a busy transition into a holiday Monday. Here is what you actually need to do:
- Drip your faucets tonight: If you're in an older home with exposed pipes, don't risk it. The wind chill is going to make that 43°F feel a lot more biting.
- Plan your MLK Parade route: If you’re heading Downtown tomorrow, Lamar and Smith will be a parking nightmare. Use METRORail if you can; the Red Line drops you right in the heart of the action.
- Check the Texans' score: Even if you don't care about sports, your neighbors do. Knowing the score will explain why people are either celebrating in the streets or crying into their Tex-Mex tonight.
- Watch for text scams: Local authorities just put out a warning about a surge in bank-related scam texts hitting Harris County residents. If your "bank" asks for a PIN via text, it’s a lie. Block and move on.
The city is moving fast today. Stay warm, drive safe on the 610, and keep an eye on those overnight temps.