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

North Texas Winter Storm Forecast

• ⚠️ A winter storm warning is in effect for North Texas, with widespread freezing rain and sleet expected throughout the weekend.
• ❄️ Ice accumulations could range from a glaze to half an inch in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with higher amounts up to 3/4 of an inch in East Texas.
• 🥶 Dangerously cold air will bring wind chills to below zero on Sunday and Monday mornings, with teens expected even on Tuesday morning.
• 🚗 Hazardous travel conditions are anticipated not only this weekend but also on Monday and Tuesday mornings due to ice and extreme cold.

Central Texas Winter Storm Impact

• 📈 The winter storm severity index indicates moderate to major impacts, particularly in the Hill Country, with travel disruptions and scattered power outages expected.
• 🧊 While not a repeat of 2021, the storm will bring freezing rain and sleet, especially Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning, with ice accumulations of 0.1 to 0.25 inches possible.
• ⚡ Scattered power outages are a possibility, with higher ice accumulations in East Texas posing a greater risk.
• 🥶 Extreme cold warnings are in effect, with wind chills expected to be in the single digits and teens on Sunday and Monday mornings.

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, with potential for tree damage and power outages if accumulations reach 0.75 inches.
• 🥶 Wind chill values are expected to be in the single digits and teens, leading to an extreme cold warning.

East Texas Ice Storm Concerns

• 🚨 An ice storm warning is in effect for much of East Texas, with potential for freezing rain accumulations exceeding half an inch, possibly up to 3/4 of an inch.
• 🔌 Widespread power outages and considerable disruptions are possible, with travel being strongly discouraged.
• 🥶 Extremely cold temperatures are expected, with overnight lows potentially in the single digits by Monday morning and wind chill values in the single digits.

South Texas and Coastal Bend Winter Weather

• 🥶 Freezing conditions are possible Saturday night through Monday night, with the best chance of freezing rain early Sunday morning.
• ⚠️ A winter storm watch is in effect for several northern coastal bend counties, with a glaze of ice possible on bridges, especially in northern areas.
• 🧊 A hard freeze is likely on Monday, with temperatures falling below 28°F, impacting pipes and vegetation.

West Texas and Permian Basin Conditions

• 🥶 Single-digit wind chills are expected early Saturday morning, with temperatures cooling further into the afternoon.
• ❄️ Significant snowfall is forecast for areas north of I-20, with potential accumulations of up to half a foot in the panhandle.
• 🚗 Travel is strongly discouraged, with recommendations to de-ice vehicles and double commute times due to ice and snow accumulation.