After an unusually warm start to winter, a strong cold front from an arctic blast began sweeping through Texas Thursday and is bringing snow to some areas. The National Weather Service issued winter storm warnings and advisories Friday morning.
Here’s where snow is likely to fall and how much is expected.
Snow began falling in the northwest Panhandles around 2 a.m. on Jan. 9, according to the NWS. These areas can expect the heaviest accumulations, around 3 to 7 inches. The precipitation combined with gusty winds may cause near-blizzard conditions.
The weather service has issued winter storm warnings for two Texas counties, along with a few Oklahoma counties. Snow accumulations in Sherman County are expected to total between 4 and 8 inches, with wind gusts as high as 35 miles per hour; and Dallam County may see between 5 and 9 inches of snow with gusts as high as 40 miles per hour. Both warnings expire Friday at midnight.
Texas’ north-central and western Panhandle counties are under a winter weather advisory until midnight Friday, with projected snow accumulations up to 4 inches. Forecasters warn of hazardous travel conditions from icy roads and low visibility.
Austinites won’t see snow Friday, but the area is in for some severe weather nonetheless.
NWS Austin/San Antonio warns of isolated strong to severe storms, beginning around 10 a.m. and continuing until 9 p.m. The storms may bring damaging winds and large hail. The area will continue seeing above-average temperatures with highs ranging from the upper 60s to lower 80s.