In response to heating and water problems caused by the recent cold weather, three schools in the Houston Independent School District (HISD) had to be dismissed early on Wednesday, according to HISD officials during a news conference.

Henry Middle School, Port Houston Elementary, and Love Elementary were all affected by the issues. At Henry Middle School, a tripped boiler resulted in the need for portable heaters, which then led to electrical system complications. Furthermore, a water pipe burst on the second floor, causing flooding on the first floor and necessitating the relocation of students to another part of the building.

The heating problems also affected Port Houston Elementary, Love Elementary, Harvard Elementary, and Pershing Middle School. Portable heaters were dispatched to Harvard Elementary and Pershing Middle School to ensure students' comfort.

Felix Cook Elementary School faced a water leak, leading to the shut-off of water while crews worked on repairs. Visual evidence provided to KPRC 2 showed significant water accumulation on the ground in one classroom, with desks and couches affected, while part of the ceiling had collapsed.

Despite these challenges, HISD officials confirmed that the majority of schools in the district did not encounter any problems. Students continued with their scheduled district exams, with many managing to navigate the inconveniences caused by heating issues at some schools.

To mitigate the impact of the disruptions, HISD implemented wash stations, portable restroom facilities, and distributed water bottles at the affected schools.

The incident follows wind chill advisories and hard freeze warnings in the Houston area on Wednesday morning, as the city faced the effects of the cold weather.

Cynthia Miranda, a proud Houstonian who graduated from UT Austin, covered the news of the heating and water issues in the HISD schools. Cynthia has a passion for reporting on breaking news and community stories. She has previously covered various topics including elections and the historic 2021 Texas winter storm. Apart from her work, Cynthia enjoys attending concerts, watching movies, and cooking with her family.