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ABC13 Weather Alert: Ice and Winter Storm Warnings issued for Houston and most of Southeast Texas

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Most of Southeast Texas is under Winter Storm Alerts this morning as an arctic front moves in.

These winter alerts are from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday with widespread freezing rain blowing all the way down to the Gulf coast. Additionally, an Extreme Cold Warning is also in effect Saturday through Monday as an arctic airmass will move in, leading to a hard freeze and the chance for below zero wind chills Monday morning. Our ABC13 Weather Alert starts Saturday and runs through Monday morning for the threat of ice and bitterly cold conditions.

Time is running out to prepare for the coming winter storm. Temperatures Saturday will start off in the 50s, but after a round of morning thunderstorms, those temperatures will crash down into the 30s as the arctic air blows in late Saturday as the wind turns more from the northwest. In the Houston-area, freezing rain could start as early as late Saturday night (around Midnight), for more northern counties it could begin in the early evening.

What are the details on these weather alerts for the weekend?

Up to half an inch of ice is possible in the Ice Storm Warning, which includes Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker Counties. Up to two-tenths of an inch of ice is possible in the Winter Storm Warning, which includes Harris County and all other counties with the exception of Brazoria, Calhoun, Chambers, Galveston, and Matagorda Counties. Power outages, tree damage, and travel hazards are possible due to the icy conditions. After the precipitation ends Sunday morning, a hard freeze is coming for nearly all of Southeast Texas Sunday night and Monday morning. We expect the roads in most places to be fine by Monday afternoon with sunshine and temperatures warming closer to 40 degrees. Another hard freeze is expected on Tuesday morning.

What should I be preparing for with the winter storm this weekend?

You need to be prepared to stay warm, stay put, and to possibly go without power should you receive a high amount of freezing rain. The freeze line now looks like it will stay just north of Southeast Texas most of Saturday, then blow through Saturday night. That means most of Saturday will be cold and rainy with nothing freezing except for in northern parts of Trinity, Polk, Walker, and Grimes Counties. That is likely to change after sunset Saturday, with freezing rain spreading south toward the Texas coast. Where freezing rain accumulations occur, it could lead to significant travel and power disruptions as ice accretes on bridges, elevated roadways, powerlines, and tree branches. Some parts of Southeast Texas north of I-10 could spend more than 48 hours below freezing as a result. These more significant impacts are more likely the farther north and west you go from Houston.

Why are we expecting freezing rain instead of snow?

The arctic air is expected to be shallow, meaning the layer of freezing air will not be thick enough to support snow. Instead, if we get anything frozen at all, it would likely be in the form of freezing rain or sleet (ice pellets). There is a brief window late Sunday when it will be cold enough to snow, but by then most of the precipitation is over.

Is this is a dangerous, pipe-bursting type of cold?

Yes. We expect temperatures to drop into the teens and low 20s on Sunday night and Monday morning everywhere except around Galveston Island. That’s when you’ll need to make sure your interior pipes are adequately insulated and protected from the cold. The wind will still be blowing, so wind chill factors will drop into the single digits and teens Monday morning, and some places northwest of Houston could have wind chills below zero. The National Weather Service has placed all of Southeast Texas under an Extreme Cold Warning during this timeframe. It’s important that all people, pets, and livestock are protected from the cold to avoid hypothermia.

When will we be done with the freezing weather?

Temperatures should climb above freezing on Monday, but we expect another hard freeze on Monday night and Tuesday morning. A light freeze is possible Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, especially north of Houston. Then we should be done with this round of arctic air.I heard another arctic front is coming next weekend. Is that true?

We do predict another round of arctic air will arrive Friday, and that could even bring some snow showers to Southeast Texas Friday night and Saturday morning. Our focus right now is on helping you get through our current winter storm, then we’ll spend more time nailing down the details of the next cold, wintry blast.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Minnesota Businesses Close in Protest of ICE Surge

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Scores of businesses across Minnesota shut their doors Friday as part of a statewide pause in economic activity to protest the Trump administration’s deployment of thousands of immigration enforcement agents in Minneapolis.

‘No Work, No Shopping’ Message

Fliers reading “ICE OUT” and “No Work. No School. No Shopping.” appeared on storefronts as bars, restaurants, shops and museums closed for the day. Religious leaders and labor unions described the action as a general strike, with many workers planning to join a large afternoon march in Minneapolis despite subfreezing temperatures.

Community Spaces Turn to Resource Hubs

Some closed businesses remained open to support the community. Pow Wow Grounds, a Native-owned coffee shop in Minneapolis, served as a donation and care hub coordinated by the Indigenous Protector Movement as immigration operations intensified.

Escalating Tensions

The protests follow days of confrontations between demonstrators and federal agents, including the use of tear gas and flash-bang grenades. The Trump administration says agents have faced harassment, while critics liken the crackdown to an invasion.

Political and Corporate Silence

Vice President JD Vance visited Minneapolis to defend ICE operations, saying the administration is trying to reduce tensions. Meanwhile, many major Minnesota-based corporations have declined to comment, drawing criticism from state lawmakers and community members.

For more on anti-ICE protests in Minnesota and Trump’s immigration crackdown, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Trump Pulls Canada From ‘Board of Peace’ Amid Carney Dispute

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President Donald Trump has rescinded Canada’s invitation to join his newly formed “Board of Peace,” escalating an already tense feud with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Fallout From Davos Speech

Trump announced the decision in a social media post Thursday, shortly after Carney delivered a high-profile speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. In his remarks, Carney warned that the U.S.-led rules-based global order is facing a “rupture” and urged middle powers to unite against coercion by stronger nations.

About the Board of Peace

Trump unveiled the Board of Peace earlier this week on the sidelines of the forum. More than two dozen countries have signed on, including Israel, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, though several U.S. allies in Europe have declined or voiced reservations.

War of Words Escalates

Trump responded sharply to Carney’s comments, saying Canada should be “grateful” to the United States. Carney later pushed back, stressing that while the two countries share deep ties, “Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”

Tensions Continue

The clash adds to months of strained relations over tariffs and Trump’s repeated remarks about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state, further underscoring the growing rift between the neighboring allies.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Former Olympian Ryan Wedding Arrested on Major Drug Trafficking Charges

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Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder and longtime FBI Most Wanted fugitive, has been arrested, U.S. officials announced Friday.

The 44-year-old is accused of leading a transnational drug trafficking operation that moved massive quantities of cocaine from Colombia through the U.S. and into Canada. Prosecutors also allege Wedding ordered multiple murders tied to the criminal enterprise.

Authorities said Wedding was taken into custody in Mexico after surrendering to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City following weeks of negotiations. He was flown to the United States and is expected to make his first federal court appearance on Monday.

Wedding competed for Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics before investigators say he became a major figure in organized crime.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Here’s how to stay warm and safe in Houston during this weekend’s winter storm

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — This weekend’s winter storm is on everyone’s mind as government officials, utility companies, and residents prepare for the potential of freezing rain and sleet.

Many will stay in their homes as severe weather moves across southeast Texas, and those who need them will seek shelter at warming centers throughout the Houston area.

Below are some helpful tips for weathering the storm safely.

Staying safe inside your home

Officials say people should stay indoors during a winter storm. But home heating systems running for hours can increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as the deadly fumes can be produced by furnaces, stoves, and heaters, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Carbon monoxide can also be created when people use portable generators or run cars in their garages to stay warm or charge their phones.

Dr. Alex Harding, assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said that because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, people won’t necessarily be aware of it.

“The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be really insidious. They can sneak up on patients and can range from just developing a headache or maybe a little bit of nausea to all the way to losing consciousness and seizures,” he said.

Dealing with hypothermia

Cold weather can be dangerous or deadly due to unsafe exposure to the elements.

The cold temperatures could catch people off guard in parts of the country that earlier might have largely experienced a mild winter.

“Really cold temperatures and winds can make temperatures feel a lot colder, and the result of that could be cold air that could eventually lead to frostbite at a much faster rate or hypothermia at a much faster rate than normal,” said Jon Palmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine.

Prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures can put people at risk of hypothermia, a condition that happens when one’s body loses heat faster than it can produce it.

“Hypothermia is definitely one of the bigger concerns, especially if we do have any kind of certainty in like power grids or electricity failing,” Harding said.

The danger of hypothermia is greater for someone outside, exposed to wind gusts, and not wearing appropriate clothing, or for someone whose clothing gets wet.

“If they have a safe place that’s warm, where they can hunker down, where they have water and food and all those kinds of necessities … then that’s going to limit their exposure to those risks,” Harding said.

But vulnerable populations like people with disabilities or homeless individuals can have problems finding a warm and safe place to stay.

Warming centers throughout the Houston area

Below is a list of warming centers throughout the Houston area, including unincorporated parts of Harris County.

Harris County Precinct Four

Bayland Community Center, open 24 hours starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday
6400 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77074

City of Houston

Officials said these shelters open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, but the exact operating hours may vary by location.

Acres Homes MSC
6719 West Montgomery Road, 77091

Denver Harbor MSC
6402 Market Street, 77007

Fifth Ward MSC
4014 Market Street, 77077

Fonde CC
110 Sabine Street, 77007

Kashmere MSC
4802 Lockwood Drive, 77026

Magnolia MSC
7037 Capitol Street, 77011

Metropolitan MSC
1475 West Gray Street, 77019

Moody MSC
3725 Fulton Street, 77009

Northeast MSC
9720 Spaulding Street, 77016

Southwest MSC
6400 High Star Drive, 77074

Sunnyside MSC
4410 Reed Road, 77051

Third Ward MSC
3611 Ennis Street, 77004

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Texas 988 Hotline Stretched After LGBTQ+ Option Is Eliminated

Texas crisis centers are under growing strain following the removal of the LGBTQ+ youth option from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a change that coincides with rising call volumes and unstable funding.

Loss of Targeted Support

The Trump administration ended the “Press 3” option last summer, which had connected LGBTQ+ youth to specially trained counselors, arguing the program was too costly and that services should be unified. Advocates say the move erased a trusted entry point for a group with a higher risk of suicide.

Calls Rise as Resources Shrink

Since 2022, the LGBTQ+ subnetwork handled nearly 1.3 million contacts nationwide. In Texas, monthly calls to 988 have climbed sharply, topping 25,000 in December 2025, reports the Texas Tribune. Crisis centers, already facing millions in funding shortfalls, must now handle calls previously routed to specialized networks.

Funding at Risk

Texas’ 988 system depends largely on federal grants, with key funding set to expire later this year. Although lawmakers created a state trust fund in 2025, no money has been allocated, leaving the hotline’s future uncertain.

Advocates Warn of Consequences

Mental health leaders caution that removing tailored services places additional pressure on overburdened counselors and could leave vulnerable youth without the support that once helped them through moments of crisis.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

ABC13 Weather Alert: Winter Storm Watch issued for Houston, most of Southeast Texas this weekend

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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) —  A winter storm is coming to Texas, and the National Weather Service still has most of Southeast Texas under a Winter Storm Watch from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday for the possibility of freezing rain. Additionally, an Extreme Cold Watch is also in effect Saturday through Monday as an arctic airmass will move in, leading to a hard freeze and the chance for single-digit wind chills Monday morning. Our ABC13 Weather Alert starts Saturday night and runs through Monday morning for the threat of ice and bitterly cold conditions.

We’ve got one more day of mild temperatures and mostly dry weather to prepare for this winter blast. Another round of dense fog is possible Friday morning, especially near the coast. Temperatures will basically hover in the 60s all day under a mainly cloudy sky. There is a 30% chance of mainly light showers.

The cold front arrives late Friday, but the arctic air will hold off until late Saturday when the wind turns more from the northwest. While we should have no frozen precipitation in Southeast Texas on Friday, the winter storm will start cranking up in the northern parts of the state with freezing rain, sleet, and snow.

What are the details on these weather alerts for the weekend?

The Winter Storm Watch includes all of our local counties at this time except for Galveston, Brazoria, Matagorda, Jackson, and Calhoun Counties. Between one-tenth and three-tenths of an inch of ice are possible, with the higher end of that range expected north of Houston. Power outages, tree damage, and travel hazards are possible due to the icy conditions. Our ABC13 Weather Alert Days remain in effect Saturday night through Monday morning as the arctic front and winter storm bring the potential for freezing rain over the weekend. Then a hard freeze is coming for nearly all of Southeast Texas Monday morning and possibly again on Tuesday morning.

What should I be preparing for with the winter storm this weekend?

You need to be prepared to stay warm, stay put, and to possibly go without power should you receive a high amount of freezing rain. The freeze line now looks like it will stay just north of Southeast Texas most of Saturday, then blow through Saturday night. That means most of Saturday will be cold and rainy with nothing freezing except for in northern parts of Trinity, Polk, Walker, and Grimes Counties. That is likely to change after sunset Saturday, with freezing rain spreading south toward the Texas coast. Where freezing rain accumulations occur, it could lead to significant travel and power disruptions as ice accretes on bridges, elevated roadways, powerlines, and tree branches. Some parts of Southeast Texas north of I-10 could spend more than 48 hours below freezing as a result. These more significant impacts are more likely the farther north and west you go from Houston.

Why are we expecting freezing rain instead of snow?

The arctic air is expected to be shallow, meaning the layer of freezing air will not be thick enough to support snow. Instead, if we get anything frozen at all, it would likely be in the form of freezing rain or sleet (ice pellets). There is a brief window late Sunday when it will be cold enough to snow, but by then most of the precipitation is over.

Is this is a dangerous, pipe-bursting type of cold?

Yes. We expect temperatures to drop into the teens and low 20s on Sunday night and Monday morning everywhere except around Galveston Island. That’s when you’ll need to make sure your interior pipes are adequately insulated and protected from the cold. The wind will still be blowing, so wind chill factors will drop into the single digits and teens Monday morning. The National Weather Service has placed all of Southeast Texas under an Extreme Cold Watch during this timeframe. It’s important that all people, pets, and livestock are protected from the cold to avoid hypothermia.

When will we be done with the freezing weather?

Temperatures should climb above freezing on Monday, but we expect another hard freeze on Monday night and Tuesday morning. A light freeze is possible Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, especially north of Houston. Then we should be done with this round of arctic air.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:
Southeast Texas
Houston
Harris County
Galveston County
Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties
Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties
Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

Have weather tips, videos, and photos?

Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don’t, just hit ‘skip upload’ and send the details.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

For more Houston headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine!

Mother of Fallen British Soldier Slams Trump’s Afghanistan Claims

The mother of a British soldier killed in Afghanistan has condemned Donald Trump after he claimed UK troops stayed “a little off the front lines” during the war.

Comments Spark Anger in the UK

Trump’s remarks to Fox News prompted backlash from British politicians, veterans and bereaved families, who said his comments dismissed the sacrifices made by UK forces.

Pte Gregg Stone, 20, was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2012

A Son Killed in Combat

Angie Moore’s son, Private Gregg Stone of The Yorkshire Regiment, was killed in Helmand province in June 2012 while on a mission to rescue an Afghan police officer kidnapped by the Taliban. The 20-year-old was one of 457 British service members who died during the conflict.

Moore said the comments reopened the trauma of losing her son and were deeply disrespectful to families of the fallen.

UK Role Reaffirmed

British troops joined the war after the 9/11 attacks and were heavily involved in frontline combat, particularly in Helmand. UK officials said Trump was wrong to suggest NATO allies avoided fighting and emphasized the sacrifices made by British forces.

For more international headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Texas Braces for Arctic Blast as Officials Assure Preparedness

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Nearly five years after Winter Storm Uri devastated Texas, state and local officials say they are better prepared as another round of severe winter weather bears down on much of the state. An arctic blast is expected to arrive Friday, bringing dangerously cold temperatures along with the potential for snow, sleet and freezing rain through early next week.

Disaster Declaration and Weather Outlook

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that he issued a disaster declaration for more than 130 counties. He said the northern two-thirds of Texas — stretching from the Panhandle to areas as far south as San Antonio — is expected to see the worst conditions.

Abbott emphasized that while the storm is not expected to rival the scale of Winter Storm Uri, Texans should still take it seriously. Officials do not anticipate widespread power outages, though localized outages remain possible if ice or falling tree branches damage power lines.

State and Local Preparations Underway

State agencies have ramped up preparations, including coordinating with local governments on warming centers and monitoring water and wastewater systems. Firefighters, state troopers and National Guard teams have been positioned across the state.

The Texas Department of Transportation began treating roadways earlier this week to prevent ice buildup. TxDOT officials said the agency will operate at peak capacity with about 5,000 personnel and hundreds of vehicles statewide.

Law enforcement leaders urged residents to stay off roads if possible during the worst conditions. The Texas Department of Public Safety and the National Guard are prepared to respond to crashes, assist stranded motorists, and deliver food and water if needed.

Is the Power Grid Ready?

Concerns about the electrical grid loom whenever Texas faces extreme weather. Officials and energy experts say the grid is in stronger shape than it was in 2021. ERCOT CEO Pablo Vargas said the agency does not expect reliability issues and projects enough power to meet demand through the weekend.

Experts point to increased generation capacity — particularly from solar, wind and battery storage — as well as stricter weatherization requirements for natural gas facilities enacted after Uri. State regulators inspected more than 7,400 natural gas facilities last year, and Abbott said Texas has ample natural gas supply.

Utilities, Cities Prepare for Ice Risks

Even with improved grid conditions, ice remains a major threat to power lines. Utilities across the state say crews are on standby to restore service quickly. Recent investments in stronger poles and expanded vegetation management aim to reduce outages, though officials acknowledge ice-related damage is difficult to prevent entirely.

Cities are also preparing warming centers. Dallas officials plan to open facilities at Fair Park for people experiencing homelessness and, if needed, additional sites with backup generators — a major upgrade since Uri.

While officials remain cautious, many say current forecasts fall short of a worst-case scenario, and they continue to monitor conditions closely as the storm approaches.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Ms. Rachel Faces Backlash Over Antisemitic Instagram Interaction

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Children’s entertainer Rachel Accurso, widely known as Ms. Rachel, is facing public criticism after screenshots circulated online appearing to show her Instagram account liking an antisemitic comment that read, “Free America from the Jews.”

The comment was posted beneath a now-deleted Instagram post from Accurso that expressed support for several countries, including Palestine, Sudan, Congo and Iran, according to reports.

Screenshots Spark Condemnation

Images of the comment and the apparent “like” spread quickly across X and other platforms, prompting condemnation from Jewish advocacy groups and concern from parents and educators who follow Accurso’s work.

The backlash intensified scrutiny of Accurso, whose brand is closely associated with young children and families.

Accurso Denies Intent, Calls It an Accident

In an emotional video shared on Instagram, Accurso denied endorsing antisemitism and said the interaction was unintentional.

“I thought I deleted a comment and I accidentally hit ‘like,’” she said, adding that the mistake reflected how easy it is to err online. Accurso also joked about struggling with technology, saying she is “not that good at touching things online.”

Her representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Additional Screenshots Fuel Criticism

Further controversy followed after screenshots emerged showing an account claiming the comment may have been self-posted. Accurso responded with a brief comment that critics said echoed antisemitic conspiracy tropes, further intensifying backlash.

Advocacy Groups Push Back

HonestReporting, a media watchdog focused on anti-Israel bias, rejected Accurso’s explanation, arguing the incident aligned with what it described as a broader pattern of engaging with or amplifying antisemitic narratives.

StopAntisemitism.org has also previously criticized Accurso, including over her past amplification of Gaza-based photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, who has been accused of praising Hamas and making antisemitic statements.

A Beloved Brand Under Scrutiny

Accurso, a former preschool teacher, rose to prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic with educational sing-along videos aimed at supporting early language development. She now has millions of followers across Instagram and YouTube and has expanded her reach through a partnership with Netflix.

Given her enormous audience of young children, parents and media analysts say Accurso faces heightened expectations around her online conduct, with critics arguing that children’s entertainers are held to a different standard than creators with adult-focused audiences.

For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.