Start preparing for Arctic blast coming to North Texas with threat of ice, snow

A significant Arctic cold front is heading to Fort Worth next weekend with the lowest temperatures of the season so far.

The National Weather Service in Fort Worth said Thursday it expects a half-inch of ice in North Texas and 2 to 5 inches of snow as a subfreezing Arctic cold front grips the region into Monday.

Time is running out to prepare for multiple days of dangerous cold.

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.

Check your car

Fill up your gas tank (at least halfway) before the cold weather hits to avoid gas line freeze ups.

AAA data shows that 60% of American do not regularly check their tire air pressure. When the temperature drops like it will in North Texas, so does the air pressure in tires. A tire will generally lose 1 pound per square inch with every 10 degree drop in temperature, AAA said.

In addition, tires typically lose 1-2 psi each month from normal use. Here’s what to check with tires:

• Drivers should check their vehicle’s tire pressure at least once a month throughout the year, and double check during colder months.
• Check your tire when its cold or after the vehicle has been idle. The air inside the tire warms up during use and expands causing the pressure to increase.

Dead batteries are one of the main service calls AAA Texas responds to during winter storms.

A car battery loses a third of its power in freezing weather as the oil in the vehicle thickens. When this happens, parts move slower and the battery must use more power to turn over and start the engine. A few tips on battery condition include:

• Have your battery and charging system checked for optimum performance, specifically if the battery is more than three years old.
• Clear any corrosion from battery points and cable connections.
• Wipe away dirt or oil deposits on the battery case and make sure everything is secure.

Keep a disaster supply kit

The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends Texans have a disaster supply kit handy for any type of weather event or natural disaster. Here’s what to pack:

• A supply of non-perishable food for at least three days and a can opener
• One gallon of water per day for each person and pet
• Baby items such as food, formula and diapers
• First-aid kit, medications and hand sanitizer
• Soap and personal hygiene supplies
• A battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
• Matches and lighter
• Emergency documents such as your driver’s license, current photos of family members and insurance

Take care of pets

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a few tips for taking care of pets during winter weather:

• If it’s too cold for people, it’s likely too cold for pets.
• Make sure to dry off pets as they come inside.
• Apply petroleum jelly or veterinarian-approved paw protectants to paw pads before pets go outside.
• Feed pets extra during the winter months.
• Make sure pets have a warm and dry space to sleep.
• Never let pets off the leash on snow or ice.

This story was originally published January 19, 2026 at 9:17 AM.