Overview
- National Weather Service forecasts an extended freeze with hazardous travel and ice or snow from Texas into the Northeast, including watches in North and Central Texas and roughly 48 hours below freezing projected in Houston.
- Homeowners are advised to insulate exposed pipes, disconnect and drain outdoor lines, cover hose bibs, seal drafts, open sink cabinets for airflow, and keep indoor heat no lower than about 55–60°F.
- Guidance on dripping faucets diverges, as Houston Public Works urges residents not to drip to protect citywide water pressure, while the American Red Cross and utilities in Tennessee and Kentucky recommend a slow drip to keep water moving.
- Those without insulation options are told to shut off water at the main or meter and drain lines in advance; renters with limited access can run a slight drip on vulnerable indoor faucets.
- If pipes freeze or burst, officials say to shut off the main immediately, thaw safely with warm air (not open flames), then restore flow slowly to check for cracks; if a pipe has burst, leave faucets open and call a plumber.