Texas, January 9, 2026
An Arctic blast has swept into Texas, blanketing parts of the state in snow and significantly dropping temperatures. The Texas Panhandle received its first snowfall the evening of January 8, with further accumulations expected in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Hazardous driving conditions have resulted in road closures and flight suspensions. Residents are urged to take safety precautions as the storm impacts travel and daily life, while weather advisories remain active throughout the affected regions.
Arctic Blast Brings Snow to Texas
San Antonio, Texas – An Arctic blast has moved into Texas, bringing significant snowfall and plunging temperatures across the state. The Texas Panhandle experienced the first snowfall on the evening of January 8, 2026, with icy conditions continuing into the following day. Snowfall is expected to spread to other regions, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where accumulations of up to five inches are possible in northern parts, such as Denton and Collin counties. Areas closer to Interstate Highway 20 may experience a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has issued a weather advisory in anticipation of the winter weather event but has not called on residents to conserve electricity. Lows in McKinney National Airport are expected to be 2 to 3 degrees colder than at DFW International Airport, but the impact on precipitation totals is expected to be negligible. The storm is expected to continue affecting the state through January 9, 2026, with conditions improving as the weekend approaches.
Impact on Transportation
The winter storm has led to hazardous driving conditions, with multiple road closures and accidents reported in affected areas. Travelers are advised to exercise caution and stay updated on local road conditions. Airports in Houston suspended flight operations on January 20, 2025, due to the storm, and major roadways in Houston had snow and ice accumulation, leading to dozens of road closures.
Historical Context
This Arctic blast follows a series of significant winter weather events in recent years. In January 2025, a rare winter storm brought heavy snow, sleet, and ice to Texas and the northern Gulf Coast, leading to the first blizzard warning for southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. Additionally, the January 2025 North American cold wave brought extremely cold temperatures to much of the continent, marking the coldest January in at least a decade.
Safety Precautions
Residents are urged to take necessary precautions during this winter weather event. Ensure that homes are properly insulated, keep extra blankets and warm clothing accessible, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm, and if travel is essential, equip vehicles with appropriate winter gear and drive cautiously. Stay informed by monitoring local weather updates and heed any advisories or warnings issued by local authorities.
Forecast
The storm is expected to move out of Texas by January 10, 2026, with conditions gradually improving over the weekend. However, temperatures are anticipated to remain below average for the season, so residents should continue to take precautions against the cold. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult local weather services and official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What areas in Texas are affected by the Arctic blast?
The Arctic blast has impacted the Texas Panhandle, with snowfall beginning on the evening of January 8, 2026. Snowfall is expected to spread to other regions, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where accumulations of up to five inches are possible in northern parts, such as Denton and Collin counties. Areas closer to Interstate Highway 20 may experience a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
How long will the winter storm last?
The storm is expected to continue affecting Texas through January 9, 2026, with conditions improving as the weekend approaches. The storm is anticipated to move out of Texas by January 10, 2026, with temperatures gradually returning to seasonal averages.
What safety measures should residents take during the storm?
Residents are urged to ensure that homes are properly insulated, keep extra blankets and warm clothing accessible, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Avoid unnecessary travel during the storm, and if travel is essential, equip vehicles with appropriate winter gear and drive cautiously. Stay informed by monitoring local weather updates and heed any advisories or warnings issued by local authorities.
How does this storm compare to previous winter weather events in Texas?
This Arctic blast follows a series of significant winter weather events in recent years. In January 2025, a rare winter storm brought heavy snow, sleet, and ice to Texas and the northern Gulf Coast, leading to the first blizzard warning for southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. Additionally, the January 2025 North American cold wave brought extremely cold temperatures to much of the continent, marking the coldest January in at least a decade.
When can residents expect conditions to improve?
Conditions are expected to improve over the weekend, with the storm moving out of Texas by January 10, 2026. However, temperatures are anticipated to remain below average for the season, so residents should continue to take precautions against the cold. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult local weather services and official channels.
Key Features of the Arctic Blast in Texas
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | January 8, 2026 |
| Regions Affected | Texas Panhandle, Dallas-Fort Worth area, areas along Interstate Highway 20 |
| Expected Snowfall | Up to five inches in northern parts of Dallas-Fort Worth; mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain in other areas |
| Temperature Drop | Plunging temperatures with lows in McKinney National Airport expected to be 2 to 3 degrees colder than at DFW International Airport |
| Duration | Through January 9, 2026, with conditions improving over the weekend |
| Safety Recommendations | Ensure homes are properly insulated, keep extra blankets and warm clothing accessible, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed by monitoring local weather updates |
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