Weather & City Services

Winter Weather Update - 3:00 p.m., January 26

Overview
While weather conditions are improving and no additional precipitation is expected, Kemah remains under an Extreme Cold Warning. Temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 20s tonight and remain below freezing for several hours.

Residents are urged to continue taking precautions to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants. Drip faucets, insulate exposed plumbing, bring pets indoors, and keep plants covered or indoors as needed. 

City Hall and Municipal Court will be open regular business hours on Tuesday.

Local school districts will be open on Tuesday.

This will be the last update for this weather event.
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Weather & City Services

Winter Weather Update - 5:00 p.m., January 25

Overview
While no additional precipitation is expected, earlier rainfall combined with falling temperatures may cause roads, bridges, and overpasses to refreeze, creating hazardous travel conditions.

City Hall and Municipal Court will be closed Monday due to weather-related safety concerns. City officials will continue monitoring conditions and will make a decision regarding Tuesday's operations on Monday.

Trash services via AmeriWaste are expected to run as normal. Should conditions require cancellation, residents with a current email address on file with AmeriWaste will be notified.

Local school districts have announced closures for Monday, and residents are encouraged to limit travel if possible. For road conditions, visit Houston TranStar and DriveTexas.org.

Please reserve 911 for true emergencies only.

Additional updates will be posted as conditions change.

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Dangerous Cold Expected

Winter Weather Update – 6:00 p.m., January 24

Overview

Dangerous winter weather conditions are expected across Southeast Texas, including Galveston County. An Arctic air mass is settling into the region, bringing prolonged sub-freezing temperatures, strong winds, and the potential for icy road conditions. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning, and residents should prepare for hazardous conditions for several days.

Tonight (Saturday Night)

• Temperatures will fall steadily after sunset, approaching freezing overnight.
• Winds will remain elevated, resulting in very cold wind chills.
• Any remaining moisture on roadways may begin to freeze late tonight, especially on bridges, overpasses, and elevated roads.

Sunday

• Cold conditions will continue throughout the day, with temperatures struggling to rise above freezing.
• Wind chills will remain well below actual air temperatures.
• Road conditions may deteriorate as freezing temperatures persist, particularly on untreated surfaces.
• Residents should limit travel and continue preparing for colder conditions ahead.

Monday (Coldest Period Expected)

• The coldest temperatures of this event are expected late Sunday night into Monday morning, with a hard freeze likely.
• Temperatures may remain below freezing for much of the day, with limited warming.
• Travel conditions may be dangerous, especially during morning hours.
• City operations for Monday have not yet been determined and will be announced as conditions are evaluated.

Tuesday

• Very cold conditions are expected to continue into Tuesday morning, with temperatures again near or below freezing.
• Any lingering moisture could refreeze overnight, extending hazardous travel conditions into the early morning hours.
• Gradual improvement is possible later Tuesday, but residents should remain cautious until temperatures consistently rise above freezing.

Safety and Preparedness Reminders

• Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
• Check road conditions at Houston TranStar and DriveTexas.org.
• Finish essential errands now and be prepared to remain home for several days.
• Protect exposed pipes, plants, pets, and people from extreme cold.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly and those who may need assistance.

Reporting Weather-Related Issues

Please report downed tree limbs, fallen branches, or other non-emergency weather-related hazards to the Kemah Police Department non-emergency number at (281) 334-5414.

Please reserve 911 for true emergencies only.

Additional updates will be posted as conditions change.

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What’s Coming This Weekend

State and local forecasters are sounding the alarm about a powerful Arctic cold front pushing into  SE Texas late Saturday into Sunday, with impacts through the weekend and into early next week:

• Cold & Wind - An Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for much of Southeast Texas — including Galveston County — from Saturday night through Tuesday morning. Wind chills may drop into the single digits to teens, with coastal areas remaining very cold.
•  Freezing Precipitation Risks - We are on the edge of a winter storm watch, which is in effect from Saturday into Monday, with a real chance of freezing rain and sleet developing as temperatures fall below freezing. Roads, bridges, and overpasses could become slick and hazardous.
• Hard Freeze Expected - Temperatures may plummet Saturday night, with inland areas dipping into the upper teens and coastal lows around the 30s. A hard freeze is likely.

⚠️ These conditions are not typical for our region — when freezing rain, ice, and prolonged sub-freezing temps show up here, it’s serious business.