Texas, January 21, 2026
A significant winter storm named Winter Storm Fern is set to impact Texas, with snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures expected across the state. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for North and Central Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Residents are urged to prepare for hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages as the storm approaches this weekend.
Winter Storm Fern to Impact Texas: Snow and Ice Ahead
San Antonio, Texas – A significant winter storm, named Winter Storm Fern, is forecasted to impact Texas starting Thursday, January 22, 2026, bringing snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures through the weekend.
Storm Overview
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch for North and Central Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area, effective from Friday afternoon through late Saturday night. The storm is expected to bring moderate to heavy accumulations of snow, sleet, and ice, with temperatures dropping below freezing. This will lead to hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages. Residents are advised to monitor the latest forecasts and prepare accordingly.
Impacted Regions
The storm is anticipated to affect various regions across Texas:
- North Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth area): Wintry conditions are expected to begin Friday afternoon, with temperatures remaining below freezing through Sunday afternoon. Saturday night is projected to be the coldest, with lows ranging from single digits to mid-teens.
- Central Texas (Austin and San Antonio areas): An arctic air mass will arrive late Friday night and early Saturday morning, bringing below-average temperatures and dangerous wind chills. The coldest wind chills are expected Saturday through Monday morning.
- Houston area: The cold front is expected to reach late Friday night or early Saturday, potentially bringing some of the season’s coldest temperatures. Freezing temperatures could extend all the way down to the coast on Saturday and Sunday night. Parts of the area may even see a hard freeze during this period.
Preparation and Safety Measures
In response to the impending storm, Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources. Residents are urged to prepare by winterizing their homes, protecting pipes, and ensuring they have emergency kits ready. It’s also recommended to check on vulnerable friends and family and consider delaying or altering weekend travel plans.
Historical Context
This upcoming storm follows the Gulf Coast blizzard of January 2025, which brought unprecedented snowfall to regions like Houston and New Orleans. The 2025 storm was the first recorded blizzard on the Gulf Coast and the most significant winter storm in the region since 1895.
Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the storm.
Key Features of Winter Storm Fern
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | Thursday, January 22, 2026 |
| End Date | Sunday, January 25, 2026 |
| Impacted Areas | North and Central Texas, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston regions |
| Expected Conditions | Snow, sleet, ice, and freezing temperatures |
| Potential Impacts | Hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and dangerously cold temperatures |
| Preparation Recommendations | Winterize homes, protect pipes, prepare emergency kits, check on vulnerable individuals, and consider altering travel plans |
FAQ
What is Winter Storm Fern?
Winter Storm Fern is a significant winter storm forecasted to impact Texas starting Thursday, January 22, 2026, bringing snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures through the weekend.
Which areas in Texas are expected to be affected?
The storm is anticipated to affect North and Central Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston regions.
What precautions should residents take?
Residents are advised to winterize their homes, protect pipes, ensure they have emergency kits ready, check on vulnerable friends and family, and consider delaying or altering weekend travel plans.
How does this storm compare to previous winter storms in Texas?
This storm follows the Gulf Coast blizzard of January 2025, which brought unprecedented snowfall to regions like Houston and New Orleans. The 2025 storm was the first recorded blizzard on the Gulf Coast and the most significant winter storm in the region since 1895.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
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