Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, January 23, 2026
The Dallas-Fort Worth area is gearing up for a significant winter storm expected to start Friday evening, bringing dangerously cold temperatures, sleet, ice, and snow through Sunday. Residents are warned to prepare for hazardous conditions, including the possibility of power outages and treacherous travel. As winter storm warnings and extreme cold warnings are in effect, local authorities are urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Dallas-Fort Worth Braces for Severe Winter Storm This Weekend
Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas – A significant winter storm is set to impact the Dallas-Fort Worth area starting Friday evening, bringing dangerously cold temperatures, sleet, ice, and snow through Sunday. Residents are urged to prepare for hazardous conditions, including potential power outages and treacherous travel.
Winter Storm Warning Issued
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for North Texas, effective from 6 p.m. CST Friday until noon CST Sunday. The warning indicates the expectation of heavy mixed precipitation, including ice accumulations between one-quarter and one-half inch, with isolated amounts up to three-quarters of an inch, primarily in eastern North Texas. Additionally, sleet and snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches are anticipated, with amounts near or above 5 inches near the Red River. These conditions are expected to result in hazardous travel, downed power lines, and potential power outages. Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution and consider delaying travel plans. For the latest road conditions, visit drivetexas.org.
Extreme Cold Warning in Effect
An Extreme Cold Warning is also in effect from 6 p.m. CST Saturday until noon CST Monday. Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 8 below zero are expected, which could lead to hypothermia or frostbite on exposed skin if precautions are not taken. Residents are advised to dress in layers, including a hat, face mask, and gloves if they must go outside.
Forecasted Conditions
Precipitation is expected to begin as rain on Friday afternoon, transitioning to freezing rain and sleet as temperatures drop below freezing in the evening. Northern parts of the region, such as Sherman and Denton, could receive 3 to 5 inches of snow and sleet, while areas like Dallas and Fort Worth are expected to see between 2 to 4 inches. Temperatures are predicted to remain below freezing until Tuesday, with wind chills potentially dropping below zero, making travel extremely difficult and dangerous.
Preparations and Recommendations
In response to the impending storm, local authorities have activated emergency response resources. Residents are encouraged to prepare by having an emergency kit ready in case of power outages, checking on vulnerable friends and family, and considering delaying all travel. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and take a winter storm kit along, including items such as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets, extra clothing, water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help in case of becoming stranded.
Potential Impact on Utilities
Electric utilities across the U.S. are preparing for widespread power outages and service disruptions as Winter Storm Fern threatens large swaths of the country. The storm, forecasted to bring snow, freezing rain, and sleet from New Mexico and Texas to Georgia and up to New England, is drawing comparisons to the devastating Winter Storm Uri of 2021. Duke Energy has warned its customers in North and South Carolina—totaling over 4.6 million—to expect possible multi-day outages. Texas’ ERCOT has issued a weather watch due to anticipated spikes in electricity demand and potential supply issues. Analysts rank ERCOT among the most vulnerable to outages under extreme weather.
Travel Disruptions
A major winter storm, dubbed Winter Storm Fern, is forecast to impact much of the U.S. from Friday through Monday, potentially disrupting the travel plans of over 230 million people. The storm is expected to bring damaging ice, heavy snow, and gusty winds across the South, Midwest, Northeast, and New England, with cities like Dallas, Houston, Nashville, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C. under winter storm alerts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is monitoring the storm closely and urging travelers to stay updated. Airlines like Southwest, American, and JetBlue have already issued advisories and are waiving flight change and cancellation fees for affected routes, including flights through cities such as Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia. Travelers are encouraged to monitor airline websites and weather updates, and consider rescheduling flexible plans in advance to avoid the worst of the disruption.
Background Context
This winter storm is part of a larger system affecting the eastern two-thirds of the United States, bringing snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures. Texas and Oklahoma are expecting treacherous road conditions as freezing rain, sleet, and heavy snow move in. The storm threatens to cause widespread power outages, with wind chills forecast to dip as low as -50°F (-46°C) in Minnesota and North Dakota. Cities from Oklahoma to the Northeast, including Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston, could see up to a foot of snow. Over 160 million people are under weather advisories. In response, school closures have been announced in places like Chicago and Des Moines, and governors in Georgia and Mississippi have declared states of emergency. Precautions are being taken across the region, including pretreating roads and ensuring utility crews are on standby. North Carolina schools are preparing for remote instruction, and Virginia’s governor urged residents to prepare for prolonged isolation.
Conclusion
As the Dallas-Fort Worth region braces for the upcoming severe winter storm, it is vital for residents to take necessary precautions and stay informed. Community cooperation in emergency preparedness and responsible decision-making regarding travel can lead to a more favorable outcome for all. By supporting local service providers and staying connected, residents can navigate the challenges posed by the storm and ensure safety while we weather this winter challenge together.
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
