Houston is bracing for a potentially historic winter storm set to impact Southeast Texas from Monday night through Tuesday. According to the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston office, this winter storm could bring widespread snow and ice, leading to dangerous and possibly impossible driving conditions around Houston. The storm is expected to produce 2 to 4 inches of snow in northern areas, 3 to 5 inches in central and eastern areas, and 1 to 3 inches in southern areas, with some locally higher amounts possible where snow bands form. Ice accumulations, although on the downward trend, are still expected, particularly in southern and coastal areas.
The cold temperatures will persist even after the storm, with minimum temperatures below freezing area-wide through Thursday morning, and a hard freeze anticipated across all inland areas on Wednesday morning. A winter storm warning will be in effect from 6 p.m. Monday to 6 p.m. Tuesday, and residents are advised to protect the "four Ps": people, pets, pipes, and plants[1].
In other news, despite the impending winter storm, Houston's economic outlook for 2025 remains strong. The city's industrial market is expected to continue its robust performance, with Houston leading the U.S. in industrial absorption. The city absorbed over 20 million square feet of industrial space in 2024, a figure that, although lower than the 25 million square feet seen annually from 2021 to 2023, is still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Port Houston's record year and its planned $1.7 billion investment in landside infrastructure over the next five years are key factors contributing to this growth[2].
The commercial real estate sector also shows signs of resilience, with office tenants implementing long-term, post-pandemic work policies and investing in their physical workspaces. While there may be some slowdown in activity in 2025, industry analysts remain optimistic about Houston's real estate market due to its healthy fundamentals, population growth, and economic expansion[2].
On the tech front, Houston's startup scene is thriving, with over 260 cleantech and climate tech startups driving innovation. Companies like Entera, Systel Inc., and Solugen are making significant impacts in sectors such as real estate, computing, and chemical manufacturing. The city's unique blend of affordable living, job opportunities, and collaboration between startups and educational institutions makes it an attractive location for tech professionals. Houston's startups are generating substantial revenue, with an annual total of $12 billion, and the city has seen a 35% increase in investment, solidifying its position in the top 20 U.S. tech ecosystems[4].
In recent months, Houston has also been dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which caused significant power outages and infrastructure challenges. CenterPoint Energy faced criticism for its handling of the power restoration, with many residents expressing frustration over the prolonged outages. The storm highlighted issues with CenterPoint's preparation, transparency, and long-term planning, prompting calls for investigations and improvements[3].