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Communication from UTMB Health

Winter Storm Elliott: Weather Update

The University of Texas Medical Branch is monitoring the strong system of arctic air forecasted to affect areas where UTMB operates. All UTMB hospitals and emergency rooms will remain open. UTMB clinics will follow their normal holiday schedule.

The period from Thursday evening (Dec. 22) through Saturday morning (Dec. 24) is predicted to bring freezing temperatures to the Houston/Galveston region along with the potential for gale force winds of up to 50 mph along the Southeast Texas coast. The combination of cold temperatures and strong winds has the potential to create a dangerous wind chill index for our region.

UTMB has worked over the past several days to ensure our electricity delivery and water supplies are prepared for the upcoming winter weather. This arctic weather isn’t predicted to be as severe or as long lasting as the event in early 2021. We plan to continue our normal operations, and UTMB is well prepared for any weather-related interruptions.

Patient Care:

  • All UTMB hospitals and emergency rooms will remain open.
  • UTMB clinics are currently planning to maintain their normal holiday schedule during this period of inclement weather. For more details, please refer to our Clinic Winter Holiday Schedule.

Students: While classes have concluded for the winter break, the Jamail Student Center and Old Red will be open for students to study during this time. Students will have badge access to the common areas 24 hours a day.

As with any weather system, forecasts may change quickly. UTMB Incident Command will continually monitor conditions and communicate UTMB-related updates as new information becomes available: