Gene Norman's latest weather

FARRELL FAMILY

Snowman built by Emily and Thomas Farrell in Conroe, TX.

HOUSTON — A winter weather advisory is in effect until 4 a.m. for most of the 11 News viewing area. The counties included are Harris, Montgomery, Galveston, Chambers, Walker, San Jacinto, Polk and Liberty.

"Bridges and overpasses have begun to experience slick conditions due to freezing of melting snow on the roadway," warned the advisory from the National Weather Service.

Drivers on the Fred Hartman Bridge in East Harris County learned that the hard way. They were at a standstill when parts of the bridge iced over and vehicles couldn't move.

The Jesse Jones Bridge over the Houston Ship Channel was shut down Wednesday because of ice.

A few minor accidents were also reported on the Hwy. 290 overpass at Hwy. 6 after it began icing over.

A Houston police officer was involved in a minor accident on Ley Road in Northeast Houston. He hit a slick spot and crashed into a wall. The officer wasn't hurt.

11 News crews reported seeing other accidents as they drove around town to report on the snow and ice. They said drivers were only going about 5 mph in some slippery areas.

11 News Chief Meteorologist Gene Norman said the snow could also cause problems for drivers Thursday morning.

"With temps falling to freezing or below, the morning commute could be treacherous in spots," said Norman.

Accumulations of ice/sleet on grassy surfaces and elevated roadways are expected to reach up to 2” in some areas overnight. 

TxDOT sent crews out late Wednesday to determine where sanding trucks were needed. They put sand down on Hwy. 290 at Hwy. 6 because it has a history of freezing, according to TXDOT spokesperson Raquelle Lewis.

Harris County’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said they would continue to monitor the severe weather overnight from the Harris County Emergency Operations Center at Houston TranStar.

Temperatures in the Houston area dropped below freezing early Wednesday evening and that's when the ice began forming.

Snowfall was reported all over the area -- even as far south as Galveston Island.

11 News viewers and crews began calling Wednesday afternoon to report snowflakes in several areas including northwest Houston, Rosenberg, Missouri City, Spring, Tomball, Hockley and Magnolia.

By nightfall, big snowflakes were falling outside the 11 News studios just west of downtown.

Children all over the area enjoyed a rare opportunity to have snowball fights, make snow angels and even build snowmen.

Many adults also bundled up and ventured outside to enjoy the novel view.

KMGLASCO

4-year-old Kaitlyn on the back of a truck in Webster.

In the Houston area, it's expected to stay chilly through Thursday morning, and then warm up a bit into the weekend.

“Once we get into the late evening and into tomorrow morning, skies clear from west to east. We’re back into the sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures, although 50 degrees doesn’t sound that warm tomorrow afternoon,” 11 News Meteorologist Mario Gomez said.

By the time Saturday rolls around, the highs will be back in the 60s.