A winter storm in the forecast is prompting some Houston businesses to close their doors for the weekend.
HOUSTON — As the Houston area prepares for winter weather to hit Southeast Texas this weekend, some businesses are announcing closures.
The KHOU 11 Weather Team has extended its Weather Impact Alert through Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, citing the growing potential for freezing rain, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures, especially late Saturday into Sunday.
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Below is a running list of weather-related business closures.
MD Anderson
MD Anderson is cancelling all outpatient appointments for Sunday, Jan. 25. There will be a delayed opening at all MD Anderson campuses on Monday, Jan. 26, with in-person patient appointments starting at noon. Inpatient operations will remain open. Affected patients are being contacted.
Dig World
Dig World, an adventure park in the Katy area, announced it will be closed on Saturday, January 24, and Sunday January 25, citing “incoming weather.”
“Thank you for understanding and we look forward to seeing you soon,” Dig World said.
Early voting
Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth announced that early voting on Sunday in the District 18 race was canceled for Sunday.
Harris County Courts
Both criminal and civil courts in Harris County will be closed on Monday, January 26. Court is expected to resume as normal on Tuesday, January 27.
Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo announced it will be closed from Saturday, January 24, through Monday, January 26.
If you have already purchased tickets for these days, the zoo said you can reschedule by emailing group.reservations@houstonzoo.org.
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston announced it will be closed on Sunday, January 25, citing hazardous weather.
Why businesses are closing
Forecasters say Friday is the final calm and mild day before conditions begin to change. While Saturday daytime is expected to stay above freezing with cold rain, temperatures are forecast to fall quickly late Saturday afternoon into the evening.
By Saturday night, rain could transition to freezing rain, creating the first serious ice concerns — especially on roads, bridges, and elevated surfaces. Sunday is expected to be the most dangerous day, with some locations potentially remaining at or below freezing all day.
An Extreme Cold Watch remains in effect from Saturday night through Monday morning, with wind chills as low as 5 to 15 degrees possible and a prolonged hard freeze expected to linger into early next week.
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