The City of Houston is directing people to overflow shelters as temperatures plummet into the thirties amid rainfall, creating potentially life-threatening conditions for the homeless population. Local officials warn that the combination of cold and wet weather poses a severe risk of hypothermia for those exposed to the elements.

School districts in the Houston region remained open after cold temperatures and predicted widespread rainfall, totaling two to three inches, according to an early Thursday National Weather Service social media post.

Storm roaring across the state will reach its peak Thursday night with more snow across the Dallas and Fort Worth areas and heavy rain for Houston in Southeast Texas. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for North Texas including Dallas & Arlington until noon on Friday,

City of Houston has extended overflow shelter hours to protect people from the elements as a round of bad weather rolls through Houston.

The city of Houston has been experiencing a cold front this week, but the city has not opened any warming centers. Here’s why:

HOUSTON - The next Texas winter storm is almost here, and it's going to be ugly. Houston will avoid the worst of it. Wednesday will be cloudy, breezy and cold, so bundle up. Highs will be in the mid-40s. Thursday gets interesting. Ice and snow begin for north-central and North Texas.

Today is a Fox 26 Storm Alert Day. Cold with drizzles beginning this morning, then becoming rainy, windy and cold this afternoon. Heavy rain is expected tonight.