Harris County, Houston Opening 13 Warming Centers for Winter Storm Fern

Harris County and the City of Houston opened 13 warming centers across the region as Winter Storm Fern brought disruptive winter conditions and an extreme cold warning to the Houston area. The centers are intended to provide a safe, heated place for residents as the National Weather Service warned of freezing temperatures through Jan. 27 and an extreme cold warning in effect Jan. 24–26.

County and city officials announced the coordinated plan on Jan. 22, designating community centers in neighborhoods from Acres Homes to the Third Ward. The centers listed by officials include Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, 6719 W. Montgomery Road; Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet St.; Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center, 6402 Market St.; Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center, 4014 Market St.; Fonde Community Center, 110 Sabine St.; Kashmere Multi-Service Center, 4802 Lockwood Drive; Magnolia Multi-Service Center, 7037 Capitol St.; Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 W. Gray St.; Moody Community Center, 3725 Fulton St.; Northeast Multi-Service Center, 9720 Spaulding St.; Southwest Multi-Service Center, 6400 High Star Drive; Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, 4410 Reed Road; and Third Ward Multi-Service Center, 3611 Ennis St.

The National Weather Service’s forecast called for disruptive storm conditions beginning Jan. 24 and continued freezing temperatures through Jan. 27, prompting the county and city to mobilize shelter options and public messaging. Precinct 3 officials said county parks would be closed over the weekend and that water amenities would be limited beginning Jan. 23. Several school districts canceled weekend events in response to the forecast.

For residents, the warming centers are a practical resource for heat and safety during the worst of the freeze, particularly for older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and households that may face heating outages. Placing centers in community hubs such as Sunnyside, Acres Homes, Kashmere, and the Third Ward reflects an effort to reach neighborhoods that historically face infrastructure and access disparities during extreme weather.

The coordination between Harris County and the City of Houston highlights the role of local government in emergency response, and the park closures and event cancellations underscore how public services shift to prioritize safety during an extreme cold event. Residents should monitor local official channels for updates on center hours, capacity, and any transportation assistance.

As the extreme cold warning remains in effect through Jan. 26 and freezing temperatures continue into Jan. 27, the warming centers stand as immediate relief for those affected. Local officials will determine ongoing needs as the storm progresses and will adjust services based on conditions and demand.