Texas Braces For Deep Freeze As Arctic Blast Hits

As Texans braced for what many meteorologists called the coldest spell of the season, an arctic cold front swept across the state on January 24, 2026, bringing with it a cascade of challenges. According to the National Weather Service, the weekend would be marked by wintry precipitation, dangerously low temperatures, and a slew of weather alerts that had much of South Texas on high alert. For residents accustomed to milder winters, the prospect of multiple days of subfreezing temperatures was not just uncomfortable—it was potentially hazardous, both to people and property.

KRIS 6 News Corpus Christi reported that Saturday would start off soggy, with isolated thunderstorms and cold rain. But as the arctic front arrived around dawn, temperatures would only fall further throughout the day. While the rain was expected to stay liquid for most, freezing rain was possible in northern neighborhoods. This prompted a Winter Storm Watch for several counties, as icy roads became a real threat for Sunday morning commuters. The coldest temperatures, along with dangerously cold wind chills, were forecast for Monday morning, January 26, 2026.

In anticipation of the freeze, a flurry of advisories went into effect: Extreme Cold Watch, Winter Storm Watch, and Freeze Watch all blanketed the region. Residents were urged to protect the so-called "4 P's"—people, pets, plants, and pipes. The National Weather Service’s warnings were clear: this bout of cold would not be fleeting, and the risks were serious.

For homeowners, the threat of frozen—and potentially burst—pipes loomed large. As detailed by the Houston Chronicle, Texans were advised to keep their indoor temperatures at least at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Opening cupboards and vanities, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, would allow warmer air to circulate around pipes, reducing the risk of freezing. Faucets, particularly those furthest from the home’s main water valve or located in vulnerable spots like exterior walls and unheated spaces, should be left to drip steadily. This small but steady trickle could be the difference between a minor inconvenience and thousands of dollars in water damage.

Outdoor water spigots required special attention. Before the mercury dipped below freezing, they needed to be drained and covered with insulating faucet covers. Pipes most at risk included outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, sprinkler lines, and any water supply pipes running through unheated interior areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and cabinets. Those against exterior walls with little or no insulation were especially prone to freezing.

But what if the worst happened and a pipe froze anyway? The advice from experts was to act quickly but safely. First, turn off the main water supply valve—typically found where the water line enters the home, often in a basement, garage, or a metal box near the street. This step would help prevent water flow into the frozen pipe, reducing the risk of a burst. Then, apply gentle heat using a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels. Open flames, such as blowtorches, were strictly to be avoided due to the risk of fire or pipe damage. Keeping a faucet open would allow melting ice to escape and relieve pressure in the line.

With the cold snap threatening the wellbeing of the most vulnerable, communities across South Texas rallied to provide shelter. KRIS 6 News highlighted the opening of multiple warming centers. In Nueces County, the Robstown Senior Community Center opened its doors at 5:00 p.m. on January 24, offering cots, food, beverages, and a safe haven for families and their pets (provided owners brought their own pet food). The center was set to remain open through mid-morning Tuesday, January 27. Free transportation was offered by the Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA), with clear instructions on which bus routes to take and how to access shuttle services. The message was simple: no one should be left out in the cold.

Kleberg County followed suit, opening the Human Services Building in Kingsville as a warming zone starting at 2:00 p.m. on January 24, with plans to stay open until noon on January 26. County officials provided cots, meals, and even refrigeration for medications upon request. Pet owners were welcome, as long as their animals were transported in suitable carriers and owners supplied necessary food and waste bags. Free rides to the facility were just a phone call away, and emergency services remained on high alert to respond to any incident.

Jim Wells County took a comprehensive approach, opening three different centers: The Old Church in Premont, the Alice Public Library during daytime hours, and the Jim Wells County Fairgrounds overnight. Cross Trails Cowboy Church in Orange Grove also served as a warming location. More than 500 cots were distributed among the centers, ensuring ample space for residents seeking refuge. "We have three different centers that we are opening up. Warming centers—this right here is so that you can get out of the cold and it'll be a warm place. We'll have cots available with blankets," a county official told KRIS 6 News, underscoring the scale and urgency of the response.

CCRTA’s role was pivotal, providing fare-free transportation to all area warming centers and overnight emergency refuge centers throughout the duration of the extreme weather. Shuttle schedules were published for each day, and B-Line Paratransit customers, as well as rural residents, could arrange rides by phone. Updated maps of warming center locations were available online, and city and county public libraries and senior centers also opened their doors to those in need from January 26 through January 27.

The scale of the response was a testament to the lessons learned from previous winter storms, when unpreparedness had led to widespread suffering. Now, with multiple layers of support in place, officials hoped to minimize the human and economic toll. Still, the advice remained the same: keep a close eye on weather updates, act early to protect your home and loved ones, and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.

As the coldest temperatures descended on Texas, communities leaned on each other, demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity. For many, the storm was a stark reminder of the power of nature—and the importance of being prepared, together.