TOGETHER WITH

Happy Thursday Baytown!

As is customary in our region, there are a few moments each year when the weather becomes the lead story—and this weekend is one of them. Winter Storm Fran is approaching Southeast Texas, and preparations are already underway across Baytown and surrounding communities. Staying informed and ready is key, and for real-time updates throughout the weekend, be sure to follow us on Instagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/baytownbuzz/ — Baytown Buzz is your #1 source for local media.

In this edition:
❄️ All the latest on Winter Storm Fran, including important community updates and preparedness information you’ll want to review before temperatures drop.
🎶 And don’t worry—we’re not skipping the fun. Our Live Music Calendar is stacked, and there’s still time to party it up before we lock down for the storm. Topping the list is Wayne Toups, the ZydeCajun legend himself, performing Friday night for what’s sure to be an unforgettable show.

Stay informed. Stay warm. And enjoy the music while you can.

— Floyd Albarado
Publisher, Baytown Buzz

Baytown officials, utilities, and community organizations are urging residents to prepare immediately as Winter Storm Fern moves toward Southeast Texas, bringing forecasts of dangerously cold temperatures, strong winds, and possible ice accumulation beginning Friday. Forecasters warn that prolonged freezing conditions could last several days, increasing the risk of power outages, hazardous travel, and disruptions to essential services—prompting local agencies to activate cold-weather response plans ahead of the storm.

The National Weather Service warned Wednesday afternoon that an arctic air mass is expected to push temperatures into the 20s and teens by Saturday across much of Southeast Texas, including Baytown. A wintry mix—potentially snow, sleet, and freezing rain—could persist into early next week. In some areas, below-freezing temperatures may last between 48 and 89 hours, increasing the likelihood of infrastructure strain, icy roads, and power disruptions.

Drawing on lessons from the devastating 2021 Winter Storm Uri, Baytown officials say preparations are already underway. City crews have been working throughout the week to protect municipal facilities and critical infrastructure.

“Our proactive weather preparations continue,” said City spokesman Jason Calder. “City crews have been working to protect facilities and infrastructure, and these efforts will continue throughout the week.”

A decision on opening a local warming center will be made closer to the weekend and is expected to align with Harris County’s broader cold-weather response. Residents are encouraged to monitor county announcements for details.

The Baytown Area Water Authority has taken steps to safeguard the local water supply, including wrapping exposed lines and installing wind barriers at key pump stations. Following Winter Storm Uri, additional upgrades—such as improved insulation and backup systems at treatment plants—were implemented to strengthen resilience against extreme cold.

Bay Area Homeless Services (BAHS) is preparing to support vulnerable residents during the cold spell. Executive Director Bill Eckert said staff have been advised to ready the shelter for potential temporary residents.

Preparations include purchasing additional bottled water in case pipes freeze, stocking non-perishable food, and verifying supplies of blankets, bedding, and air mattresses.

“We’re monitoring developments closely,” Eckert said. “We remain open.”

The shelter is located at 3405 Minnesota Street. For assistance, residents can call 281-837-1654. While recent forecasts suggest the storm’s impact may be less severe than initially feared, BAHS officials say caution remains essential.

CenterPoint Energy, the region’s primary electric and natural gas provider, activated its Emergency Operations Center Wednesday morning. Crews are performing pre-storm inspections and preparing for potential impacts to both electric and gas systems.

“Our teams are mobilized and ready to respond,” said Don Daigler, senior vice president for emergency preparedness and response. “We are coordinating with government and industry partners to prepare for icy weather, strong winds, and wintry precipitation.”

CenterPoint’s winter readiness includes substation inspections, infrastructure hardening with heaters, freeze-protection maintenance, staging compressed natural gas trucks, and monitoring more than 100 regional weather stations. The company also reports completing more than 19,000 hours of emergency training in 2025 and donating backup generators to critical facilities.

Residents are urged to treat downed power lines as energized, stay at least 35 feet away, and report them immediately. Safety resources and outage updates are available at CenterPointEnergy.com/ActionCenter.

Harris County Public Health officials emphasized that extreme cold poses heightened risks for older adults, people experiencing homelessness, pets, and household plumbing. Residents are advised to stock at least a five-day supply of food, water (one gallon per person per day), and medications, and to check on neighbors and family members to ensure they have heat, groceries, and prescriptions.

Home safety guidance includes insulating pipes, opening cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation, and using space heaters cautiously—never unattended or near flammable materials. During power outages, officials recommend using flashlights instead of candles, ensuring carbon monoxide detectors are functioning, and placing generators at least 20 feet from homes.

Pet safety remains a critical concern during freezing weather. The Humane Society for Animals urges residents to bring pets indoors whenever possible, ensure access to unfrozen water and adequate food, and protect animals from exposure to hazardous substances such as antifreeze and rock salt.

President and CEO Kitty Block emphasized that cold weather can be just as dangerous for animals as it is for people, particularly during prolonged freezes.

Forecasters caution that uncertainty remains around exact ice and snow totals, but warn conditions could still be “very impactful,” with potential power outages reminiscent of Winter Storm Uri, which claimed more than 240 lives statewide.

Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from CenterPoint Energy, the National Weather Service at weather.gov/houston, and trusted local news outlets as the situation develops.

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🎶 Up next: This weekend’s live music lineup!
See where the bands are playing around Baytown & Mont Belvieu — available to subscribers below.

Bob-N-Jeans | Don Vickers & Kaitlyn Alyse | 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Old Cherokee Night Club | ZydeCajun Legend Wayne Toups | 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM

The Barn Whiskey Bar | Logan Lotz | 10:00 PM

Bob-N-Jeans | Carlos Fernandez Band | TBD

Old Cherokee Night Club | Passengers Unknown Live w/Cole Barnhill | 8:00 PM

Bob-N-Jeans | Static Blues | TBD

The Barn Whiskey Bar | Susan Hickman (from The Voice) | 10:00 PM

Bob-N-Jeans | Waylon Stoerner | TBD

Are you hosting live music in Baytown or Mont Belvieu?
We’d love to feature it!
📧 Email us at: [email protected]

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