...
By Flynn Nicholls
US News Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Heavy snowfall is predicted in northeastern Texas including Dallas-Fort Worth and a statewide emergency has been declared due to weather expected from a polar vortex that has plunged temperatures nationwide.
Why It Matters
The polar vortex has triggered deep freeze warnings and advisories across Texas with the weather leading to possible threatening conditions for people and infrastructure.
Read More on News
Freezing temperatures can cause frostbite and hypothermia as well as damage to crops, vegetation and homes. In the past, the state's transportation and electricity infrastructure has been severely affected by extreme cold events.
What To Know
A National Weather Service (NWS) map shows how many inches of snow are forecast in each county in the Lone Star State through Friday, January 10.
...
An NWS winter storm watch is in effect for parts of Texas, generally along and north of Interstate 20, where 3 to 7 inches of snow will be possible on Thursday. Farther south, lighter amounts of snow, sleet, and some ice will be possible.
According to the map, the hardest hit counties will be Red River, Lamar, Fannin, Grayson, Delta, Hopkins, Hunt and Collins, where 6 to 7 inches are forecast. The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area can expect 5 to 6 inches of snowfall.
The heavy snow is also forecast to spill over into Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.
In the Panhandle and West Texas, 1 to 2 inches of snow are forecast.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in a statement where he declared a statewide emergency, urged Texans to stay weather-aware, avoid unnecessary travel and locate nearby warming centers through state-provided resources.
The Texas State Division of Emergency Management told Newsweek it "remains prepared to support Texas communities with requests for state assistance from local officials."
What People Are Saying
Governor Greg Abbott on X: "Today, I activated state emergency response resources ahead of severe winter weather expected to impact the state this week. As Texas faces snow, ice, and freezing rain, we're working around-the-clock to ensure Texans have necessary resources."
Dylan Federico, meteorologist for Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, on X: "Dangerous situation with wind chills already in the teens in North Texas. It will feel like the single digits tomorrow morning. Stay safe!"
National Weather Service advice on cold weather safety: "Extremely cold air comes every winter into at least part of the country and affects millions of people across the United States. The arctic air can be dangerous. Combined with brisk winds, dangerously cold wind chill values can result."
What Happens Next
Texans should prepare for freezing conditions and potential snowfall throughout the week, with warmer temperatures anticipated by the weekend.
State officials will continue monitoring infrastructure and provide updates to ensure public safety.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines