OKLAHOMA — A new round of winter precipitation is forecast to move across Texas and Oklahoma beginning Wednesday night into Thursday morning, with a messy mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain expected in several areas. Forecasters warn that even light accumulations could create slick and hazardous roads, especially in the Texas Panhandle, western Oklahoma, and areas south of Interstate 40.
According to early radar modeling, the system will develop late Wednesday as a surge of Arctic air meets Gulf moisture, setting up a narrow but intense band of mixed precipitation. The heaviest impacts are projected to occur between Amarillo and Oklahoma City, extending east toward Dallas-Fort Worth by Thursday morning.
Snow, Sleet, and Freezing Rain to Develop Overnight
Meteorologists say that the coldest air will remain north of the Red River, keeping northwest Texas and western Oklahoma in the snow and sleet zones, while areas farther south will see freezing rain and cold rain.
- Amarillo and Lubbock: Snow and sleet expected, with minor accumulation possible.
- Oklahoma City: Periods of sleet and light freezing rain may lead to icy patches during the Thursday morning commute.
- Abilene and Fort Worth: Likely to experience freezing rain transitioning to rain as temperatures fluctuate near the freezing mark.
- Dallas and Waco: Cold rain expected, but brief sleet mixing can’t be ruled out early Thursday.
- Austin and Houston: Mostly rain, though roads could still be slick where cold air lingers north of I-10.
Travel Could Be Impacted Early Thursday
The National Weather Service and regional meteorologists are advising drivers to monitor local road conditions, as the combination of light freezing rain and sleet can quickly create black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses. Even small ice accumulations can make travel treacherous.
“Amounts may be light, but it doesn’t take much for freezing rain to make roads slick,” forecasters noted. “Commuters should expect delays and drive cautiously, particularly before sunrise Thursday.”
Cold Air Holds Behind the Front
Following the system’s passage, cold, cloudy weather will persist through Thursday afternoon across both states. Highs will remain in the 30s and low 40s across northern Texas and Oklahoma, while southern Texas warms slightly into the 50s…