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METRO Gradually Restores Service as Conditions Improve

Indira Zaldivar
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METRO Gradually Restores Service as Conditions Improve

METRO is resuming transit service in phases as weather conditions across the Houston area continue to improve. Officials say safety remains the agency’s top priority as crews inspect roadways, tracks, and equipment in real time before fully restoring operations.

Phased Service Restart

Service is returning gradually throughout the morning and midday to ensure safe and reliable travel for riders.

HOV and HOT lanes are scheduled to reopen at approximately 9 a.m. METROLift, curb2curb, and Community Connector services are expected to begin around 11 a.m. Local bus service and the 500 Downtown Direct are planned to resume by noon, depending on roadway conditions.

Park & Ride service will remain suspended for the day.

Bus and Park & Ride Updates

Local bus routes will return as they are cleared for safe travel, with the goal of restoring full service by midday. Riders should anticipate possible delays or route adjustments while inspections continue.

Park & Ride routes will not operate Monday. METRO urges motorists using reopened HOV lanes to remain cautious, especially in areas with standing water.

Rail and Specialized Services

METRORail will operate on a weekend service schedule, with crews monitoring tracks, signals, and platforms throughout the day.

METROLift, curb2curb, and Community Connector services will prioritize trips to medical facilities and warming centers as recovery efforts continue.

Coordination and Rider Guidance

METRO is coordinating closely with the City of Houston and partner agencies to support essential travel needs. Riders are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and check for updates through RideMETRO.org, the RideMETRO app, or METRO’s social media channels. Customer service is available at 713-635-4000.

For more METRO service updates and more important weather information, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Harris County sued after early voting sites close amid winter storm during CD-18 runoff

Edward Saenz
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0
Harris County sued after early voting sites close amid winter storm during CD-18 runoff

Harris County is facing an emergency lawsuit after closing all early voting locations for two days amid severe winter weather, disrupting voting in the runoff election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in state court, argues that the closures violated Texas election law by effectively shortening the early voting period for the special runoff election. The suit was brought by voting rights groups Houston Justice and Pure Justice and is being represented by the Texas Civil Rights Project.

County election officials shut down early voting locations Sunday and Monday as icy conditions and freezing temperatures made travel hazardous across the Houston area. Officials said the decision was made to protect the safety of voters and poll workers during the winter storm.

Plaintiffs argue the closures eliminated two of the final days of early voting, which state law requires to be consecutive and include extended hours in special elections. They are asking a judge to issue an emergency order restoring the lost voting time by extending early voting later in the week.

The runoff election will determine who fills the long-vacant seat in Congressional District 18, which covers much of Houston. The race is between Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards. Both candidates have publicly supported efforts to extend early voting following the weather disruptions.

Advocates say failing to restore the lost voting days could disenfranchise voters, particularly those with limited transportation or inflexible work schedules who rely on early voting.

Election Day for the runoff is scheduled for Saturday, January 31st.

Harris County has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit, and a court hearing on the emergency request is expected soon.

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

ABC13 Houston
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0
Here’s how to stay warm and safe in Houston during this weekend’s winter storm

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.

Netizens Criticize Hopkins High School Letter After Fatal Shooting

Edward Saenz
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Netizens Criticize Hopkins High School Letter After Fatal Shooting

Social media users are calling out Hopkins High School in Minnetonka, Minnesota, after administrators sent a letter to families addressing the fatal U.S. Border Patrol–involved shooting of Alex Pretti.

Backlash Over School Email

The email, sent just hours after Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot and killed on Jan. 24, expressed “care and solidarity” with the community and informed families that counselors and support staff would be available. School leaders also acknowledged that families might feel a range of emotions.

Critics online accused the school of overstepping its role and pushing a narrative before all facts were known.

Disputed Accounts of the Shooting

Homeland Security officials said Pretti was armed and resisted being disarmed, but Minnesota officials have disputed that claim. Videos circulating online appear to show Pretti holding a phone, not a weapon, though none clearly show a firearm.

The email was shared widely after being posted by the Libs of TikTok account on X, fueling further backlash and accusations of misinformation.

Community Tensions Remain High

Pretti’s death is the second law enforcement–involved shooting in Minneapolis this month, adding to heightened tensions in the area. The Hopkins community has also faced recent immigration enforcement actions, contributing to an already difficult week for residents.

Online criticism continues, with many users questioning whether schools should address politically sensitive incidents at all.

For more on the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and the public outcry, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Kristen Stewart on Trump, Art, and Leaving the US

Indira Zaldivar
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0
Kristen Stewart on Trump, Art, and Leaving the US

Kristen Stewart says she’s unsure about staying in the United States while Donald Trump remains president, citing a political climate that she believes restricts artistic freedom.

While promoting her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, Stewart told The Sunday Times that filming in the US would have been “impossible,” leading her to shoot the film in Latvia. She called Trump’s proposed tariffs on foreign-made films “terrifying” and said she “can’t work freely” in America.

“Reality is breaking completely under Trump,” Stewart said, though she added she doesn’t want to give up on the US entirely, saying she hopes to make films in Europe and still reach American audiences.

History With Trump

Stewart and Trump have clashed publicly for years, most notably after his 2012 tweets about her personal life. She later mocked those comments while hosting Saturday Night Live in 2017, when she also came out publicly.

A New Creative Chapter

Now married to screenwriter Dylan Meyer, Stewart says directing has been liberating compared to acting. The Chronology of Water, starring Imogen Poots, has drawn mixed reviews but praise for its raw, indie style.

For the latest celebrity news, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

Houston-area school and college closings and delays

ABC13 Houston
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Houston-area school and college closings and delays

When there are active reported school closings or delays around Houston and the surrounding areas, they will appear in a list below.

Tap this link to view the list in a full-screen browser version.

ALDINE ISD Closed Monday  
ALIEF ISD Closed Monday  
ALVIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE Closed Monday  
ALVIN ISD Closed Monday  
ANAHUAC ISD Closed Monday  
ANGLETON ISD Closed Monday  
BAY CITY ISD Closed Monday  
BEATRICE MAYES INSTITUTE CHARTER SCHOOL Closed Monday  
BOLING ISD Closed Monday  
BRAZOSPORT COLLEGE Closed Monday  
CLEAR CREEK ISD Closed Monday  
CLEVELAND ISD Closed Monday  
COLDSPRING-OAKHURST CISD Closed Monday 
COLUMBIA-BRAZORIA ISD Closed Monday  
CONROE ISD Closed Monday  
Cornerstone Christian Academy Closed Monday  
CROSBY ISD Closed Monday  
CYPRESS-FAIRBANKS ISD Closed Monday  
DANBURY ISD Closed Monday  
DAYTON ISD Closed Monday  
DICKINSON ISD Closed Monday  
EAST CHAMBERS ISD Closed Monday  
FORT BEND ISD Closed Monday  
GALENA PARK ISD Closed Monday  
GALVESTON COLLEGE Closed Monday  
GOOSE CREEK CISD Closed Monday  
HARDIN ISD Closed Monday  
HEMPSTEAD ISD Closed Monday  
HITCHCOCK ISD Closed Monday  
HOUSTON CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY Closed Monday  
HOUSTON CITY COLLEGE Closed through Monday  
HOUSTON ISD Closed Monday  
HUFFMAN ISD Closed Monday  
HULL-DAISETTA ISD Closed Monday  
HUMBLE ISD Closed Monday  
HUNTSVILLE ISD Closed Monday  
iSchool Early College High School All campuses closed Monday  
KATY ISD Closed Monday  
KIPP TEXAS – HOUSTON All KIPP Houston schools closed Monday  
KLEIN ISD Closed Monday  
LA PORTE ISD Closed Monday  
LAMAR CISD Closed Closed Monday 
LIBERTY ISD Closed Monday  
LONE STAR COLLEGE All campuses closed Monday  
MONTGOMERY ISD Closed Monday  
NEEDVILLE ISD Closed Monday  
NEW CANEY ISD Closed Monday  
NEW WAVERLY ISD Closed Monday  
NORTHLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL All campuses closed Monday  
PALACIOS ISD Closed Monday  
PASADENA ISD Closed Monday  
PEARLAND ISD Closed Monday  
Prairie View A&M University Closed Monday Virtual operations on Tuesday 
Quest Collegiate Academy of Shenandoah Closed Monday  
Rhodes School for the Performing Arts Closed Monday  
Rice University Closed Saturday Remote work, classes on Monday 
ROYAL ISD Closed Monday  
RYSS Texas Public Schools Closed Closed Monday 
SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY Closed Monday 
SAN JACINTO COLLEGE Closed Monday  
SANTA FE ISD Closed Monday  
SHELDON ISD Closed Monday  
SHEPHERD ISD Closed Closed Monday 
SPLENDORA ISD Closed Monday  
SPRING BRANCH ISD Closed Monday  
SPRING ISD Closed Monday  
STAFFORD MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Closed Monday  
SWEENY ISD Closed Monday  
TARKINGTON ISD Closed Monday  
TEXAS CITY ISD Closed Monday  
THE POST OAK SCHOOL Closed Monday  
THE VARNETT PUBLIC SCHOOL Closed Monday  
THE WOODLANDS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Closed Monday  
TOMBALL ISD Closed Monday  
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON Closed Sunday and Monday includes Sugar Land and Katy campuses 
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON DOWNTOWN All campuses closing 2 p.m. Saturday through Monday  
WALLER ISD Closed Monday  
WestChase Neighborhood Schools Closed Monday  
WHARTON COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE Closed Monday  
WILLIS ISD Closed Monday  
YES Prep Public Schools Closed Monday 

Houston Weather: ABC13 Weather Alert: Hard freeze and dangerously cold wind chills Sunday night – ABC13 Houston

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

ABC13 Weather Alert: Hard freeze and dangerously cold wind chills Sunday night

ABC13 Houston
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0
ABC13 Weather Alert: Hard freeze and dangerously cold wind chills Sunday night

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We’re done with the wintry precipitation but not the winter weather. Dangerously cold conditions are settling in Sunday night and will lead to a hard freeze Monday morning.

An Extreme Cold Warning is in effect for all of Southeast Texas Sunday night as temperatures fall well below freezing into the low-mid 20. The daily record low temperature for January 26ht is 23 degrees, which will be challenged tomorrow with a forecast low of 21 for Houston. And factor in the gusty, northerly breeze and we’ll have wind chill values in the single digits overnight. Thankfully Monday will be on the sunny side with sunshine helping us warm into the mid-upper 30s. But that’s still pretty cold for Southeast Texas standards, especially seeing that normal high temperatures for late January as usually in the mid 60s.

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.

What about any ice?

While the Houston area and locations south of Houston have largely avoided any frozen precipitation, the overall message remains the same: Be smart, be safe, and avoid bridges and overpasses, especially northwest of the Houston area where icy roads have been reported.

When will we be done with the freezing weather?

Temperatures should climb above freezing on Monday afternoon, 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!

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

ABC13 Houston
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0
Here’s how to stay warm and safe in Houston during this weekend’s winter storm

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.

Dangerous Arctic Front Brings Extreme Cold to Harris County

Edward Saenz
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0
Dangerous Arctic Front Brings Extreme Cold to Harris County

A powerful arctic cold front is moving into Harris County, prompting officials to urge residents to remain weather aware and complete preparations immediately. Dangerous winter conditions are expected to begin Saturday evening and last through early next week.

Winter Storm and Extreme Cold Warnings Issued

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning from 6 p.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday, along with an Extreme Cold Warning in effect through Tuesday morning. An additional Extreme Cold Watch extends into Tuesday. Freezing rain and sleet are expected to develop late Saturday, creating hazardous conditions on bridges, overpasses, and elevated roadways.

Travel Strongly Discouraged

Officials warn that travel will become extremely dangerous late Saturday night as ice and sleet accumulate. Hard freeze conditions are expected nightly through Tuesday morning. Residents are advised to be in a safe location by 9 p.m. Saturday and plan to remain there until conditions improve.

Health and Emergency Guidance

Anyone who must go outdoors should dress in layers and cover all exposed skin to reduce the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Warning signs of hypothermia include confusion, slurred speech, and stiff muscles. Medical help should be sought immediately if symptoms appear.

Residents are urged to call 9-1-1 only for life-threatening emergencies, as first responders may face delayed response times due to icy road conditions and increased call volume.

Warming Centers and Community Resources

Cities and partner organizations across Harris County have opened warming centers and overnight shelters. A map with locations and hours is available at ReadyHarris.org. Residents needing transportation assistance can call 3-1-1. Families are also encouraged to check with local school districts for updates on potential closures.

Preparation Tips for Residents

People
Residents should stay indoors if possible, dress in warm layers, and check on elderly neighbors or relatives who may need assistance.

Pets
Pets should be brought indoors, and livestock moved to sheltered areas with adequate food and water.

Pipes and Plants
Exposed outdoor pipes should be protected, and sprinkler systems shut off and drained. Potted plants should be moved indoors or into garages, while outdoor plants may need extra mulch or protective coverings.

Heater and Generator Safety

Officials remind residents to use space heaters cautiously, keeping them at least three feet away from flammable items and never plugging them into extension cords. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed, and generators must only be used outdoors, far from doors and windows.

Stay Informed

Residents can text FREEZE to 888-777 for the latest winter weather updates and are encouraged to follow local media and Harris County emergency management updates for ongoing information.

For more safety recommendations and weather updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

‘Mercy’ Takes Top Spot in a Frozen Box Office Weekend

Michael Esparza
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0
‘Mercy’ Takes Top Spot in a Frozen Box Office Weekend

Amazon MGM’s Mercy claimed the No. 1 spot at the box office with an estimated $12.6 million opening weekend from 3,468 theaters, ending the reign of Avatar: Fire and Ash. Still, the win comes amid a familiar early-year slowdown for theaters.

Winter Storms Deepen the Slump

A massive winter storm stretching from Texas to New England has placed roughly two-thirds of the U.S. population under freezing conditions, with parts of the Northeast expecting several feet of snow. The severe weather kept many moviegoers home, further dampening ticket sales nationwide.

The total domestic box office for the weekend is estimated at $58.4 million, down 13% from the same weekend in January 2025, highlighting how much the storm contributed to the sluggish turnout.

‘Mercy’ Opens Softly Despite First Place Finish

Even without the weather factor, Mercy does not appear poised for a long theatrical run. The AI thriller starring Chris Pratt opened slightly ahead of Lionsgate’s January 2025 release Flight Risk, but critical reception has been harsh. The film holds a 21% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences were more forgiving, giving it a B- CinemaScore and an 81% audience rating.

Holiday holdovers including Avatar 3, Zootopia 2, and The Housemaid continue to dominate the top five, limiting room for new releases to break out.

‘28 Years Later’ Sequel Drops Sharply

Sony and Columbia’s 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple suffered a steep decline in its second weekend, earning an estimated $3.8 million, a 70% drop from its $12.5 million debut. Even accounting for weather disruptions, the sequel is struggling to reach $30 million domestically.

Disney Finds a Bright Spot

One bright note belongs to Disney’s Zootopia 2, which added $5.9 million in its ninth weekend. The film has now surpassed $400 million domestically, bolstered by its recent Oscar nomination and record-setting animated box office run.

For the latest box office updates, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.

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