Houston-area warming centers open amid freezing temperatures

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced on Tuesday that he assembled a team to help the city get through the cold weather.

Whitmire said the city is doing everything possible to ensure safety, including opening 12 warming centers across the area starting Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. until Friday, Feb. 21, at 8 a.m

According to ABC13 meteorologists, an Arctic cold front arrived Tuesday evening. By Wednesday morning, the freeze line was in communities north and west of Houston from Huntsville to Navasota to Columbus.

Lows in Houston reached the upper 30s, and wind chill factors north and west of Houston dipped into the teens, prompting a Cold Weather Advisory for Austin, Colorado, Grimes, Trinity, Walker, and Washington counties.

The 12 warming centers are:

• Acres Homes Multi-Service Center: 6719 W Montgomery Rd.

• Northeast Multi-Service Center: 9720 Spaulding St.

• Kashmere Multi-Service Center: 4802 Lockwood Dr.

• Moody Community Center: 3725 Fulton St.

• Fonde Community Center: 110 Sabine St.

• Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center: 6402 Market St.

• Magnolia Multi-Service Center: 7037 Capitol St.

• Metropolitan Multi-Service Center: 1475 W Gray St.

• Southwest Multi-Service Center: 6400 High Star Dr.

• Sunnyside Multi-Service Center: 4410 Reed Rd.

• Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center: 4014 Market St.

• Third Ward Multi-Service Center: 3611 Ennis St.

The warming centers will remain open overnight until Friday morning, Feb. 21. Individuals who arrive with items will be allowed to keep their items with them while they are at the warming centers. Z Trips will be offered to go to these centers. Individuals needing assistance are encouraged to call 3-1-1.

You can view a map with the warming locations available through the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management:

Commissioner Lesley Briones partnered with the American Red Cross on Wednesday to also open Bayland Community Center as a 24-hour shelter.

The center will also be open Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m. until Friday, Feb. 21.

"Residents are welcome to bring crated pets to the center," Briones said.

Officials encourage all residents to be prepared and remind everyone to take care of the "Four P's":

• People: Keep warm by layering clothing and utilizing extra blankets. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

• Pets: Bring pets inside or ensure they have adequate shelter, food, and water.

• Pipes: Protect exposed pipes from freezing by covering them with insulation or towels.

• Plants: Bring plants indoors or cover them to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.

SEE FORECAST: Arctic front brings storms Tuesday and hard freeze possible Wednesday night