The winter storm forecast for Fort Worth has slightly changed. Here’s what’s new
The latest forecast guidance from the National Weather Service has the Arctic cold front arriving a little later than earlier predicted, with North Texas still getting dangerous ice but possibly less snow accumulation.
Aside from bitter cold wind chills as low as -12 Sunday night, the ice buildup on power lines, trees, roads and buildings appears to be the biggest threat from Friday night to midday Sunday, the weather service said late Thursday.
“The strong winds and weight of snow on tree limbs may down power lines and could cause sporadic power outages,” according to a winter storm warning advisory. “Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Travel could be impossible.”
The forecast shows one-quarter to one-half an inch of ice across the Metroplex, and 1 to 3” of total sleet and snow accumulation by Sunday. The layers of ice are enough to cause significant damage to trees and power lines.
Counties north of Tarrant still have a better chance of sleet and snow.
“Be aware that these totals will continue to change as new data arrives,” the weather service says.
Time is running out to prepare your home and family for up to three days of sub-freezing cold. The extended cold can cause your pipes to freeze, and any travel will be treacherous. School systems have already started canceling Friday night activities, and it seems likely we could see delays or closures on Monday.
You should have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food (such as canned vegetables, fruits, beans, tuna, soups, pasta), water and medications. Plan for the event of a power outage, including a stockpile of batteries and blankets.
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When does the winter storm start in North Texas?
The drop in temperatures will likely occur slower than earlier predicted, which means well after Friday afternoon commutes.
Friday 10 p.m.: Conditions will turn bad starting around when most people are heading to bed Friday with freezing rain in North Texas areas close to Oklahoma and the Red River, including Gainesville, Sherman and Denison, according to a National Weather Service update.
Saturday 2 a.m.: As the cold front surges southward, rain in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex should start to freeze between midnight and 3 a.m.
Saturday 6 a.m.: The freezing rain will continue to coat Fort Worth but now with some sleet added to the mix, though little sleet accumulation is expected. It’ll be in the mid to high 20s early Saturday with wind gusts up to 20 mph.
Saturday midday: In Fort Worth, the freezing rain and sleet continue all day. Temperatures will fall during the day to about 24 degrees by 5 p.m. The gusty winds as high as 25 mph will last into overnight Saturday.
Saturday night: Freezing rain and sleet before midnight, then a mix of sleet and snow after 3 a.m. Temps will fall to around 11 degrees.
Sunday morning: Before dawn, Fort Worth could start to see some snow showers as the temperatures fall to around 11 degrees. The chance of snow showers and sleet continue until about noon with a high near 20 degrees and wind gusts up to 30 mph.
Sunday night: COLD! Skies will clear and Fort Worth will see temperatures from 3 to 5 degrees with wind gusts up to 25 mph.
Monday: There’s a chance we could see a few hours near or above freezing on Monday before it dips below 32 degrees that night, the weather service said.
How bad will the winter storm be in Fort Worth and North Texas?
The most recent forecast outlook shows more freezing rain than sleet or snow for much of North Texas. That means ice accumulations of one-quarter to one-half of an inch, which is enough to cause significant damage.
The ice problem won’t be as serious in the northern counties closer to Oklahoma, since they’ll see more snow or sleet.
The National Weather Service is stressing the threat of “significant ice accumulations” along with gusty winds. The result can be snapped trees that cut power lines. If outages are widespread and roads become impassable, it could take longer than normal to restore power.
Texas officials are saying that any outages are likely to be localized and not as a result of an electric grid failure, like what was seen in February 2021’s deadly storm.
“Ice accumulation on lines and trees is going to be the most impactful to the grid, and based on the weather forecast we’ve seen, the Metroplex is where that’s going to really be centered,” said Thomas Gleeson, chairman of the Public Utility Commission of Texas, on Thursday.
The cold temperatures Saturday and Sunday present their own hazards. The weather service now says wind chills could be as low as -12 degrees in North Texas on Sunday night. The cold will be life-threatening and could damage pipes and plumbing if left uninsulated or not properly drained.
Prepare pipes for freezing weather
Burst pipes are common when temperatures drop below freezing. Here’s what the City of Fort Worth recommends on prepping pipes:
- Insulate pipes outside the house.
- Check if pipes in unheated parts of the home are insulated.
- Make sure outside faucet washers are secure.
- Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and use insulated faucet covers.
- Make sure the water meter box doesn’t freeze by keeping the lid on.
- Open cabinet doors that hold water pipes to allow heat in.
- Keep extra water drawn up.
This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 4:49 AM.
