Following an Arctic blast in Houston, the city decided to close eight warming centers at noon, leaving two open overnight to continue supporting those in need.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire urged Houston residents to not get complacent now that the snow has stopped falling "Hear me!" Whitmire beckoned at a Tuesday press conference. "We're halfway there. The next 24 hours will be the most dangerous.

City and county officials encouraged people to stay off of the major roadways Wednesday, when the Houston region emerged from a rare winter storm.