5 things to do right now before ice, snow arrive in Texas this weekend
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Forecast shows rain turning to sleet and freezing rain across North Texas Friday night.
- Stock water, nonperishable food, medicine and batteries; prepare backup power sources.
- Protect pipes, insulate outdoor faucets, open cabinets and keep extra water ready.
Widespread rain on Friday, Jan. 23 will gradually turn into sleet and freezing rain along the Red River, which will then hit the Dallas-Fort Worth area late Friday evening, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.
North Texans have been preparing for this storm all week, but if you still need to get ready for whatever snow and ice may come our way, here are five things you can do right now to get ready for the first significant storm of 2026.
Go to the grocery store for food, water, essentials
Every time a storm like this happens, North Texans worry about a repeat of the deadly 2021 storm that knocked out power for millions of people for several days.
North Texas could see power outages this weekend, but officials said Thursday, Jan. 22 they are taking steps to mitigate those outages.
Even so, it’s important to be prepared if your power does go out. The Texas Department of Emergency Management recommends food essentials like non-perishable items and foods you can eat without having to refrigerate or cook.
Make sure to keep enough water on hand in case of emergency — one gallon per person per day for three to seven days, for drinking and sanitation. If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood. And try not to panic-buy perishable items at the grocery store.
Speaking of grocery stores, it’s best to call the store to see if they’re open during the winter storm, but some North Texas locations have said they will stay open this weekend.
Get your prescription refills now
Get your medicine, and medicine for your children, pets and anyone else in your household, as soon as possible.
Stock up on emergency supplies
Once you have your food, water and medicine, Ready.gov recommends the following essentials:
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- A car with a full tank of gas
- If you have a generator, make sure you have enough gasoline to run it.
- If you have a baby or small children, stock up on formula and baby food, diapers, wipes, blankets or other usual supplies.
- If you have pets, make sure you have a good supply of pet food, addiitonal water for your pets and a pet carrier and leash in case you have to move.
Learn more about how to build out your emergency kit at ready.gov.kit.
Charge all your devices
Charge all your cellphones and cellphone power banks, as well as laptops, tablets and other backup battery sources.
You can order small, portable power banks from Amazon or purchase them at hardware stores, and big box stores like Target and Walmart.
You can also charge your phone in your car if your car has that capability, but remember: Do not sit in a running car inside a garage or other unventilated area for a prolonged period of time or you will risk carbon monoxide poisoning.
Protect the 4 Ps: People, pets, pipes and plants
Wear layers, and stay warm.
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
If you take your pets outside, make sure to wipe their paws or feet after coming back inside. Snow treatment chemicals could irritate their skin and paws. And remember: If you’re cold, they’re cold.
As for plants, Neil Sperry has these tips for how to cover your plants and protect your garden.
Stay warm, and stay safe, y’all.
Star-Telegram service reporter Brayden Garcia contributed to this report. This story was inspired by reporting from the News & Observer’s service journalism editor Brooke Cain.
This story was originally published January 22, 2026 at 4:39 PM.
