Houston mayor John Whitmire said it's "all hands on deck" as the city expects a winter storm that promises heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain. "I've been convinced that we are about to experience a very serious and dangerous whether episode,

"I've been convinced that we are about to experience a very serious and dangerous weather episode," Whitmire said during Sunday's press conference.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced Wednesday that the city has rescinded its work-from-home policy and all city employees will be expected to work full-time from the office. In a memo sent to city department directors,

"The best way to serve the public is to work together in the office, enhancing collaboration and making the City of Houston more effective," Mayor Whitmire said.

Municipal employees were given the opportunity to work from home after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with the city subsequently adopting a hybrid work policy that has allowed many employees to split time between their homes and offices.

The City of Houston has announced all employees will transition full-time to their assigned offices beginning on February 1.

Municipal workers will have to be back in-office starting Feb. 1 unless given an approved exception from management.