Americas

Americas

Winter storm hits Texas, affecting schools, travel

24 January 2014 23:41 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. A major winter storm gripped this southern U.S. state of Texas starting Thursday, wreaking havoc and causing flight cancellations, school closures and road wrecks in Houston, a leading American city, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

An Arctic blast brought snow and ice to southeastern Texas overnight and brought down temperatures. The storm started Thursday afternoon and continued to Friday morning. Icy conditions and freezing rains were widespread in Houston, where the climate is classified as humid subtropical and the temperature average in January, the coldest month here, is about 53 degrees Fahrenheit or about 12 degrees Celsius.

More than 130 road wrecks were caused by icy conditions in Houston, the Houston Chronicle, a major local daily newspaper, quoted Houston Fire Department officials as saying. At least 60 roads were closed or partially blocked as a result.

Bridges and overpasses throughout much of the area were closed for ice on the roadways, leaving drivers stranded in long lines waiting for the roads to reopen, according to the report.

Authorities were urging drivers to stay off the roadways if possible and to be extremely cautious if they must drive.

Scores of flights were canceled at Bush Intercontinental Airport and Hobby Airport, two major airports in Houston.

Schools were closed for most Houston-area students.

Meteorologists said the cold rains will probably move away from Houston Friday afternoon and the mercury will climb above freezing. Residents are advised to keep warm and stay indoor.