Office of Emergency Management Announcements

Winter Storm Update

Welcome to the Winter Storm

Stay informed and prepared as Fort Bend County faces predicted severe winter weather. This page provides key updates, safety tips, and official announcements to help you navigate the upcoming conditions.

What you’ll find here:

• Current Situation: Broad expectations of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with timing anticipated late Friday through Saturday.
• Impacts: Reduced visibility, slick roads, slower commutes, and possible power interruptions.
• Preparedness Tips: Guidance on essential supplies, home safety, and travel considerations.
• Official Declaration: Fort Bend County Judge KP George has declared a local state of disaster to activate emergency measures and protect public safety.
• Updates & Alerts: Check back regularly for new advisories, preparedness updates, and official communications.
• Useful Links

Your safety is our priority. Please monitor this page and official channels for the latest information.

Key Messages

• Broad expectation of snow, sleet, and/or freezing rain.
• Timing: Anticipated arrival window Sunday - Monday.

General Impacts

• Reduced visibility and slick roadways possible.
• Slower commutes and potential transit delays.
• Scattered power interruptions could occur in icing areas.

Preparedness Tips

• Charge phones and essential devices in advance.
• Have basic supplies: water, non‑perishables, meds, flashlights, batteries.
• Dress in layers; limit time outdoors during hazardous conditions.

Power & Utilities

• Keep backup lighting and a portable battery available.
• Know how to report outages to your utility provider.

To report a power outage in Fort Bend County:
 

• Call CenterPoint Energy at 713-207-2222 (Automated outage reporting)
• Visit the CenterPoint Energy Outage Tracker: https://outage.centerpointenergy.com/
• Use the CenterPoint Energy mobile app for real-time updates

Communication & Official Sources

• Check road conditions on official transportation portals.
• Sign up for FBC Alert: Opt-In Alerts
• Deaf Link Accessible Hazard Alert System™
• FBC Emergency Management Mobile App

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Emergency Contacts

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Declaration of Local Disaster Related to Predicted Severe Winter Weather

Fort Bend County Judge KP George declared a local state of disaster on January 21, 2026, in anticipation of severe winter weather. The declaration follows forecasts of a strong cold front bringing sub-freezing temperatures, possible hard freeze, and wintry precipitation that could create hazardous road conditions and threaten lives and property. The Office of Emergency Management has been directed to coordinate preparations and support local jurisdictions to ensure public safety.

• Reason for Declaration: National Weather Service forecasts a strong cold front late Friday into Saturday; expected sub-freezing temperatures and hard freeze in parts of the region; severe weather poses significant threats to property and life.
• Conditions Leading to Declaration: Prolonged freezing temperatures, wintry precipitation, and dangerous road conditions.
• Legal Authority: Texas Government Code Chapter 418 grants County Judge power to declare a local disaster if threat is imminent.
• Purpose of Declaration: Authorizes imposition of controls to reduce injury risk; activates emergency management plans and enables aid and assistance.
• Duration: Expires seven days after issuance unless extended by Commissioners Court.
• Public Implications: Declaration will be publicized and filed with County Clerk; may include travel advisories, school closures, and resource distribution.

For full details, please review the official document:
Declaration of Local Disaster Related to Predicted Severe Winter Weather (PDF)

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Press Release Summary

Fort Bend County Declares Local State of Disaster Ahead of Severe Winter Weather

Date: January 22, 2026  
Issued by: Fort Bend County Judge KP George  

Fort Bend County Judge KP George has declared a Local State of Disaster in anticipation of severe winter weather conditions forecasted by the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston Office. This declaration is made pursuant to Section 418.108(a) of the Texas Government Code.

Reason for Declaration

• A strong cold front is expected to move through the Greater Houston area, including Fort Bend County, over the weekend.
• Forecasts indicate the coldest temperatures of the season, with sub-freezing conditions possible.
• There is a risk of a hard freeze, prolonged freezing temperatures, and wintry precipitation, which may create hazardous road conditions and pose threats to life and property.

Actions Taken

• The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been directed to implement all necessary preparations to ensure the safety of residents.
• OEM will coordinate with and support all local jurisdictions within Fort Bend County.

Statement from Judge KP George

“The safety of all Fort Bend residents is my top priority. Property can be repaired and replaced, but a life cannot. Our Office of Emergency Management has made incredible strides over the past seven years, and I am confident their efforts will save lives during this and future emergencies.”

Press Conference Details

• Date & Time: Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:00 A.M.  
• Location: OEM Offices, 307 Fort St., Richmond, TX 77469  
• Participants: Judge KP George, Emergency Management Coordinator Greg Babst, and Sheriff Eric Fagan  

For full details, please review the official document:  Press Release Disaster declaration 1-22-26 (PDF)

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Press Release Summary

• Date: January 21, 2026

• Announcement:

  • Fort Bend County Judge KP George declared a local state of disaster in advance of severe winter weather.
  • Declaration issued under Texas Government Code Section 418.108(a).

• Reason for Declaration:

  • National Weather Service predicts a strong cold front over the weekend.
  • Expected to bring the coldest temperatures of the season, with sub-freezing temperatures possible.
  • Potential for hard freeze, prolonged freezing temperatures, and wintry precipitation.
  • Hazardous road conditions could endanger lives and property.

• Actions Taken:

  • Judge George directed the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to make all necessary preparations.
  • OEM will coordinate with and support all local jurisdictions within Fort Bend County.

• Judge’s Statement:

  • Emphasized safety as the top priority: “Property can be repaired and replaced, but a life cannot.”
  • Praised OEM’s progress in operations, facilities, and technology over the past seven years.
  • Expressed confidence in OEM’s ability to save lives during emergencies.

• Press Conference Details:

  • Date & Time: Friday, January 23 at 11:00 AM
  • Location: Office of Emergency Management, 307 Fort St., Richmond, TX 77469
  • Speakers: Judge KP George, Emergency Management Coordinator Greg Babst, Sheriff Eric Fagan

For full details, please review the official document:  1-24-26 Media Advisory Winter Storm Fern Press Conference

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FBC Alert: Opt-In Alerts

We cannot warn you if we cannot reach you! Sign up today for FBC Alert to receive alerts, warnings, and notifications from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Our opt-in system, powered by Everbridge, lets you customize how you get alerts--by phone, email, or mobile app--and choose the types of notifications you want. These messages supplement, but do not replace, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) or Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages for life-saving information. 

Register in one of two ways:

1. Text FBCAlert to 888777, or 

2. Visit https://member.everbridge.net/453003085616997/new 

 

Deaf Link Accessible Hazard Alert System™

Deaf Link AHAS™ provides the same alerts and warnings as FBC Alert, delivered to internet- and video-capable devices, including computers, tablets, and mobile phones. Fort Bend Alert subscribers in an area affected by an emergency or disaster can receive accessible alert messages in American Sign Language (ASL) as well as English and Spanish voice and text. Alerts are also accessible to Braille readers, and may include information about the emergency and recommended actions to take.

Register here: https://ftb.ahasalerts.com/

FBC Emergency Management Mobile App

Fort Bend County Homeland Security & Emergency Management, in partnership with the Fire Marshal's Office and EMS, has developed a mobile app for timely emergency information. The app provides push notifications for weather alerts directly from the National Weather Service and delivers important updates on events, incidents, river conditions, and preparedness resources. You can also access county webpages and social media directly from the app.

Download the FREE Mobile App:

Apple App Store

Google Play Store

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Useful Links

• TxDOT Road Conditions: https://drivetexas.org