Texas is now entering the most impactful phase of this winter storm, and for many parts of the state, conditions are expected to worsen significantly through tonight and into Sunday morning.
After a relative lull early Saturday afternoon, another widespread round of winter precipitation is ramping up across much of Texas. This next phase will bring freezing rain, sleet, and snow, combined with dangerously cold temperatures that will linger well into early next week.
This is not a quick-hit event. In many areas, once conditions deteriorate tonight, they will not meaningfully improve until Monday or Tuesday.
Where Things Stand Right Now
As of Saturday afternoon, the arctic cold front continues pushing steadily southeast across the state. The freezing line has already reached the Hill Country and is advancing toward South Central and Southeast Texas.
North and west of this line, temperatures are well below freezing, allowing precipitation to fall as freezing rain, sleet, or snow. South of the line, rain and thunderstorms are still occurring for now, but colder air is closing in quickly.
This setup is especially concerning because precipitation is increasing as temperatures continue falling, which is exactly how significant icing events develop.
What to Expect Tonight Through Sunday Morning
The main wave of this storm is expected to intensify later this afternoon and evening, continuing overnight and into Sunday morning.
For much of Texas north of Interstate 10, precipitation will fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Freezing rain, which creates ice on power lines, trees, bridges, and overpasses
- Sleet, which accumulates efficiently on roadways and creates extremely slick conditions
- Snow, especially across West Texas and the Panhandle, where colder air is deeper
In some areas, precipitation may change types multiple times, worsening impacts rather than improving them.
Thunderstorms are also possible in parts of Central and South Texas before colder air fully arrives. Once temperatures drop below freezing, rain will quickly transition to ice.
Ice Accumulation and Power Outage Risk
Ice accumulation is the primary concern for much of the state.
Even a tenth of an inch of ice is enough to create dangerous travel conditions. Once ice approaches or exceeds a quarter inch, the risk of tree damage and power outages increases sharply due to the added weight on branches and power lines.
Current trends suggest that parts of:
- North Texas
- Central Texas
- The Hill Country
- The Brazos Valley
- East and Northeast Texas
could see significant ice accumulation, especially overnight tonight into Sunday morning.
Where sleet dominates, power line damage may be less severe, but roads will still become nearly impassable.
Snow in West Texas and the Panhandle
Colder air in West Texas and the Panhandle will support mainly snow, with additional accumulations expected through tonight.
Some locations could see several more inches, and blowing snow may reduce visibility at times. Roads in these areas are likely to remain hazardous well into Sunday and possibly beyond due to persistent cold.
Travel Impacts: Expect Widespread Problems
Travel conditions will deteriorate quickly tonight.
Roads, bridges, and overpasses across much of Texas north of I-10 are expected to become slick or ice-covered, with conditions potentially becoming dangerous to nearly impossible in some areas.
If travel is not absolutely necessary, it is best avoided.
For current road conditions, visit DriveTexas.org.
The Cold Is a Major Part of This Event
Even after precipitation ends Sunday, the cold will remain a serious issue.
Many areas across Texas will:
- Remain below freezing through Monday
- Experience single-digit or near-zero temperatures, especially in the Panhandle and West Texas
- See hard freezes statewide Monday and Tuesday mornings
Any melting that occurs during daylight hours will refreeze quickly overnight, prolonging hazardous conditions and increasing the risk of burst pipes.
- Forecast low temperatures across Texas Sunday morning.
- Forecast high temperatures across Texas Sunday afternoon.
- Forecast low temperatures across Texas Monday morning.
- Forecast high temperatures across Texas Monday afternoon.
- Forecast low temperatures across Texas Tuesday morning.
- Forecast high temperatures across Texas Tuesday afternoon.
How to Prepare Right Now
If you are in or near the impacted areas:
- Avoid unnecessary travel tonight through Sunday
- Prepare for possible power outages
- Protect pipes, pets, and plants
- Have multiple layers of clothing and blankets ready
- Check on neighbors, especially the elderly
If warming shelters are needed, resources are available through 211Texas.org.
Looking Ahead
Precipitation should gradually move out of Texas by Sunday afternoon. However, the combination of ice, snow, and prolonged cold means impacts will linger well after the storm ends.
Conditions should begin improving more noticeably by Tuesday afternoon, though some areas may still deal with residual ice and cold into midweek.
We will continue providing updates, live coverage, and real-time information as this winter storm unfolds. You can track conditions, radar, and forecasts through the free Texas Storm Chasers mobile app, our website, and our live YouTube coverage.
Stay informed. Be prepared. And if you don’t need to be on the roads, tonight and Sunday are good times to stay put.