As an arctic front sweeps through the Houston area, icy conditions have led to numerous road closures and accidents across the city. The freezing rain, followed by a hard freeze, has prompted an ABC13 Weather Alert until noon on Wednesday.

Fort Bend County authorities have reported the closure of State Highway 99 southbound at Cinco Ranch due to icing along the overpasses from I-10 south to FM 1093. Slick conditions have also been reported along SH 99 at Mason.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez has stated that the SH 99 main lanes at the 249 interchange have icy roadways, resulting in multiple crashes in the area. In addition, an overturned 18-wheeler has forced the closure of both directions of the Katy Freeway, with ice covering the freeway and multiple accidents observed.

ABC13 reporter Jeff Ehling witnessed rain transforming into ice within a minute while driving on the Katy Freeway near Greenhouse and Fry roads. He also noted multiple accidents on I-10 westbound between Fry Road and Highway 99.

Further reports of icy conditions have come in from various areas. Harris County officials have mentioned icy roads along the main lanes of the 22300 block of North Freeway and the 1800 block of FM 1960. Houston Transtar has reported icy conditions on the Hardy Toll Road at FM 1960, impacting all main lanes. The Hardy Toll Road southbound at Louetta and Aldine Westfield roads is also affected.

Other affected roads include West Sam Houston Tollway southbound at US-290 northwest, I-69 main lanes and feeders between First Colony Boulevard and Crabb River Road, and Westpark Tollway eastbound at I-69, with associated ramps being affected.

TranStar has also reported icy conditions at several locations, such as I-45 North northbound at Beltway 8 North, I-69 northbound at the Montgomery-Harris County line to the Montgomery-Liberty County line, FM 1314 westbound at Loop 494 to SH 105, I-45 northbound at Hardy Toll/Harris County line to Montgomery-Walker County line, and SH 249 northbound at the Montgomery-Harris County line to FM 1774.

With hazardous road conditions persisting, it is crucial for Houston residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel. Houston TranStar's website provides a comprehensive list of road closures, and ABC13 offers real-time traffic data and alerts through their app, helping motorists navigate the city safely.

As the icy conditions continue to impact Houston, it is advised to stay updated with the latest information and take necessary precautions when taking to the roads.