Texas Prepares for Incoming Winter Storm with Ice and Snow
Texans are preparing for an incoming winter storm that is set to impact the entire state with subfreezing temperatures. The storm is forecasted to begin Friday, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain as arctic air descends from Canada.
Winter Storm Forecast: Key Details
The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that by Sunday morning, the cold front will reach the southern tip of Texas. Meteorologist Kurt Van Speybroeck noted that all regions, from El Paso to Houston, will experience a hard freeze during the storm.
- Start Date: Friday
- Impact Region: Entire Texas
- Expected Conditions: Snow, sleet, freezing rain
- Hazard: Dangerous driving conditions
Timing and Impact by Region
The Panhandle
The storm is anticipated to hit the Panhandle hardest on Friday night, with lows expected to plummet to 2 degrees. There is a 90% chance of precipitation, which will likely turn into snow. Visibility may be a concern due to wind.
Dallas-Fort Worth Area
The Dallas-Fort Worth region is bracing for a mix of freezing rain and sleet late Friday night, potentially transitioning into snow by Saturday evening. Temperatures are expected to drop to a low of 10 degrees Saturday night with a high of 22 degrees on Sunday.
Central Texas
Central Texas can expect sleet and freezing rain, although heavy accumulations are less likely here compared to North Texas. Saturday night temperatures are projected to reach as low as 14 degrees.
El Paso and Far West Texas
El Paso may experience snowfall beginning Friday morning, with accumulations up to 10 inches. Wind gusts could reach 22 mph on Saturday, raising safety concerns for drivers. The lowest temperatures are expected to be around 28 degrees Saturday night.
Houston Region
In the Houston area, rain and thunderstorms are expected Friday night, transitioning into freezing rain by Saturday night. The forecast indicates a low of 27 degrees Saturday.
South Texas
By Sunday morning, the winter storm will reach Texas’ southern regions, including Laredo and Brownsville. Temperatures are expected to hover around freezing, with lows of 33 degrees on Saturday and Sunday nights.
Emergency Preparedness
As the storm approaches, officials in North and Central Texas have issued winter storm watches. Governor Greg Abbott has activated state emergency response resources to address the anticipated hazardous travel conditions.
Residents are urged to prepare for potential power outages and difficult driving conditions, especially in areas likely to experience significant snowfall and ice accumulation.
