Two Waves, Widespread Travel Impacts, Ice, and Prolonged Extreme Cold
Texas is entering the high-impact phase of a significant winter storm that will affect much of the state through the weekend and into early next week. This is a multi-day event featuring two distinct waves of winter precipitation, followed by a prolonged period of very cold air. While the exact type of precipitation will vary by location, travel disruptions are expected to be widespread, and in some areas impacts may persist into Monday even after precipitation has ended.
The Overall Setup
A strong Arctic cold front is pushing south through Texas, bringing sharply colder temperatures and setting the stage for wintry precipitation. The first wave of impacts is underway today and tonight, primarily across West, North, and Northwest Texas. A second wave, expected Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning, looks to be the more impactful round for a larger portion of the state.
One of the key concerns with this system is that once roads become icy, they may not improve quickly. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for an extended period, allowing ice to linger even after precipitation tapers off.
Freezing Line Progression
While exact timing may shift slightly, the overall progression of the freezing line provides a useful planning guide.
The Texas Panhandle is already at or below freezing, with impacts ongoing and increasing today. The South Plains and Rolling Plains, including areas such as Lubbock and Childress, will fall below freezing today, with conditions deteriorating further tonight into Saturday. North Texas, including the Dallas–Fort Worth area, will see temperatures fall throughout the day Friday, with a wintry mix developing late tonight into early Saturday.
Along the I-20 corridor from Abilene into East Texas, freezing conditions are expected overnight into Saturday morning. The Hill Country and Austin area will see the Arctic front arrive Friday evening, with freezing temperatures possible early Saturday and increasing chances for wintry precipitation Saturday afternoon and evening. San Antonio is expected to see mostly cold rain on Saturday, though the freezing line may reach the area late Saturday night into early Sunday.
In Southeast Texas, colder air arrives Saturday, with freezing rain or freezing drizzle possible late Saturday night into Sunday morning, particularly inland and on elevated roadways. Farther south, the Rio Grande Valley will experience cold, windy, and uncomfortable conditions, but freezing precipitation is not expected.
What Kind of Winter Weather to Expect
Forecast snow accumulation (including sleet and snow) from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. Updated 1/22/26 7:30 PM.
Forecast ice accumulation from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. Updated 1/22/26 7:30 PM.
Precipitation type will vary significantly across the state.
In the Panhandle, freezing drizzle or light freezing rain is expected through the day Friday, followed by the potential for significant snowfall Saturday and Sunday. Even light ice will create major travel problems, and snow accumulations of five to ten inches are possible, with locally higher totals.
The South Plains and Rolling Plains can expect a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow, with snow becoming more likely as colder air deepens. North Texas is likely to see sleet and freezing rain, with some snow mixed in, particularly during the second wave. Central Texas will mainly see sleet and freezing rain, with snow unlikely but not completely ruled out in northern areas. Southeast Texas is expected to deal primarily with freezing rain or freezing drizzle, often light, but still hazardous.
Primary Impacts of Concern
Travel:
Dangerous to impossible travel conditions are expected in parts of West, North, and Central Texas from Friday night through Sunday. Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate across the Brazos Valley, East Texas, and parts of South-Central and Southeast Texas Saturday evening through Sunday morning. Bridges and overpasses will freeze first, often before surrounding roadways, and icy conditions may persist into Monday morning due to continued cold temperatures.
Ice and Power:
Ice accumulation across the Hill Country, Central Texas, the northern Brazos Valley, North and Northeast Texas, and parts of the Panhandle and South Plains raises the risk of tree damage, downed power lines, and scattered power outages, especially Saturday and Sunday.
Extreme Cold:
Prolonged sub-freezing temperatures increase the risk of broken pipes, water outages, and dangerous cold exposure. Extra precautions should be taken to protect pets, livestock, and people without reliable heat.
What “Glaze” Means on Forecast Maps
You may see the term “glaze” used on some forecast graphics. This simply refers to a thin coating of ice from freezing drizzle or light freezing rain. While it may not look impressive on maps, even a glaze is enough to turn roads, bridges, and overpasses into extremely slick and dangerous surfaces.
Bottom Line
The first wave of this storm begins the problems, and the second wave spreads and worsens them. Even in areas where precipitation appears light, the combination of cold temperatures and moisture will lead to icy roads. Anyone with travel plans this weekend should plan for delays, reroutes, or cancellations. This is not a situation where conditions improve quickly once precipitation stops.
Forecast details will continue to be refined as new data becomes available, particularly regarding freezing line timing and the most significant impact zones.