Southeast Texas' outlook for next week's winter storm continues to worsen, with a growing likelihood of a deep freeze and substantial wintry precipitation, snow and sleet in the Houston area. Space City Weather's Eric Berger published an atypical afternoon report on Friday warning of an "increasingly likely" and drastic mix of hard freeze and snowy conditions expected in Southeast Texas early next week.

As a significant winter storm approaches the Houston area, snow, sleet and ice are all becoming certainties as the temperatures decrease and conditions are forecasted to be more frosty than expected.

Houston has had measurable snowfall at least 20 times in its weather history, according to available data kept by the National Weather Service.

Houston-area leaders are making preparations for the incoming extreme cold weather. Tuesday is forecasted to bring possible snow and ice to the Greater Houston area, Houston mayor John Whitmire says warming centers will be open beginning on Sunday for Houstonians who need to get out of the weather.