Texas Winter Storm: Ice, Freezing Temperatures, and Power Outage Risks Across the State

North Texas Winter Storm Forecast

• ❄️ North Texas is bracing for icy roads from Saturday through Tuesday due to widespread freezing rain and sleet.
• ⚠️ A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the entire region, with higher ice totals expected in Van Zandt and Henderson counties.
• 🧊 Ice accumulations of a glaze to half an inch are forecast for North Texas, with up to 3/4 of an inch in East Texas, increasing the risk of power outages and dangerous travel.
• 🥶 Dangerously cold air will bring wind chills below zero on Sunday and Monday mornings, with temperatures remaining below freezing for an extended period.

Central Texas and Austin Area Outlook

• 📊 The Winter Storm Severity Index indicates moderate to major impacts, particularly in the Hill Country, with travel disruptions and scattered power outages anticipated.
• ⚠️ While not expected to be a repeat of 2021 or 2023, the storm will cause travel disruptions.
• 🧊 Freezing rain is expected from Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning, with potential ice accumulations of a tenth to a quarter of an inch, and isolated amounts up to a half inch.
• 🥶 Hard freezes are expected Monday and Tuesday mornings, with wind chills potentially reaching single digits.

Houston Area Winter Weather

• ⚠️ A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Harris County and surrounding areas, with an Ice Storm Warning for counties to the north and east due to expected significant ice accumulation.
• 🧊 Heavy icing is possible early Sunday morning, leading to potentially impassable bridges and overpasses.
• ⚡ Ice accumulations could range from a trace to three-quarters of an inch, posing a risk of widespread tree damage and power outages.
• 🥶 Extreme cold warnings are in effect, with wind chills in the single digits and teens.

San Antonio and South Texas Conditions

• ⚠️ San Antonio is now included in the Winter Storm Warning, with icing expected Saturday evening through Sunday noon.
• 🧊 Ice accumulation forecasts vary, with potential for a glaze to nearly a third of an inch in some areas, and up to half an inch in the Hill Country.
• 🥶 Brutal wind chills are expected throughout the weekend and into early next week, with temperatures feeling like single digits in the Hill Country.
• 🚗 Travel is discouraged, especially Sunday morning, with bridges being the most likely part of travel to be impacted.

East Texas Ice Storm Warnings

• ⚠️ Ice Storm Warnings are in effect for much of East Texas, with potential freezing rain accumulations exceeding half an inch, up to 3/4 of an inch in isolated areas.
• ⚡ This level of ice accumulation increases the risk of widespread power outages and tree damage.
• 🥶 Extremely cold temperatures are expected, with overnight lows potentially in the single digits by Monday morning and wind chills in the single digits.
• 🚗 Travel is strongly discouraged due to considerable disruptions and potential widespread closures.

West Texas and Panhandle Snowfall

• ❄️ West Texas and the Panhandle are expecting significant snowfall, with accumulations ranging from half an inch to 2.5 inches along I-20, and up to half a foot in the Panhandle.
• 🥶 Freezing temperatures and negative wind chills are forecast from Friday night through Monday morning.
• 🚗 Drivers are advised to allow extra time for de-icing vehicles and to double commute times due to ice and snow accumulation.

Coastal Bend and South Texas Freeze

• 🥶 Freezing conditions are possible for Corpus Christi and surrounding areas Saturday night, Sunday night, and Monday night, with temperatures in the 20s and wind chills in the teens.
• 🧊 A glaze of ice is possible on Sunday morning, primarily across northern counties, impacting bridges.
• ⚠️ A hard freeze is likely on Monday, with temperatures falling below 28 degrees, impacting vegetation and potentially pipes.
• 💧 Heavy rainfall is expected across the coastal bend, with 1-2 inches likely in the northern watershed.