Sunday Updates: ‘Life-threatening’ deep freeze grips North Texas over next 48 hours
The official winter storm warning is over in North Texas, even though light snow is expected into Sunday evening. But while the snow may be ending, the real danger begins — potentially record-breaking cold.
“Life-threatening cold wind chills as low as -10 at times through Tuesday morning will result in hypothermia and frostbite if precautions are not taken,” the National Weather Service warns.
With parts of Fort Worth coated in 2 to 3 inches of ice, sleet and snow, temperatures will plummet tonight — possibly the coldest since the Great Texas Freeze in February 2021. Early morning temps are likely to reach a record-low for Jan. 26 at DFW (12 degrees set in 1904) and Waco (14 degrees in 1940).
The below-freezing temperatures are still here to stay through Tuesday, meaning travel will be treacherous at least into midweek.
Thousands have lost power, road conditions are poor and most school districts are now deciding whether they will be open on Tuesday.
🔸What to expect: Sleet and snow will end in Fort Worth on Sunday morning, but below freezing temperatures will remain. Temperatures won’t surpass 23 Sunday. It isn’t supposed to be above freezing again until midday Tuesday. An “extreme cold warning” remains in effect until 9 a.m. Tuesday, with dangerous wind chills as low as 10 below zero.
🔸Travel: Roads in parts of Fort Worth are covered in a hard layer of sleet and snow, which is easier to drive on than ice from freezing rain. Nonetheless, travel is still treacherous and will remain so most of the day Sunday. Flight cancellations are also piling up.
🔸Schools: North Texas districts are starting to cancel school Tuesday, including Fort Worth ISD.
City of Fort Worth services closed
Posted 8:55 p.m.
- City Hall will remain closed to the public on Monday and is scheduled to reopen Tuesday.
- City Council meetings. City Council will conduct a work session at noon Tuesday, followed by an executive session and Council meeting starting at 2 p.m.
- Libraries. All Fort Worth Public Library locations will be closed Monday. Book drops are also closed. Fort Worth libraries are fine-free and no fines will be assessed for overdue books. Reserve items being held for pickup will be extended until locations reopen.
- Municipal Court. On Monday all in-person scheduled dockets have been canceled. The A.D Marshal Public Courts Building will be closed Monday and reopen at noon Tuesday.
- Park & Recreation Department. All community centers will be closed to the public Monday. Handley Meadowbrook and Como community centers will be open for early voting only from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The Botanic Garden, Log Cabin Village, Fort Worth Nature Center and golf courses will be closed.
- Public Events. Indoor events at Will Rogers Memorial Center will continue.
- Business Assistance Center. The Devoyd Jennings Business Assistance Center and the Guinn Campus will be closed on Monday and reopen at noon Tuesday.
- Animal Care & Control: Both animal shelter locations will be closed to the public on Monday, with minimal staffing for the care of animals. Animal Field Services will respond to emergency calls for service.
Tarrant County facilities closed
All Tarrant County facilities will be closed on Monday. Polling locations will have delayed openings on Monday. Visit tarrantcountytx.gov/elections on Monday to see available locations and start times.
Trinity Metro buses suspended for Monday, TEXRail operating
Posted 8:30 p.m.
Trinity Metro buses, TRE LINK, the CentrePort Circulator, and On-Demand rideshare in all service areas remain suspended for Monday, Jan. 26, due to “extreme” cold temperatures and roadway conditions, according to a news release.
TEXRail and Trinity Railway Express (TRE) are operating on their normal schedules for Monday, according to the release.
Customer service for transportation assistance and the most current service information will be provided from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., the release stated. The customer service kiosk at Fort Worth Central Station will remain closed on Monday.v
The On-Demand paratransit will be operating on a limited schedule for life-sustaining service.
According to the release, service updates will be shared through Trinity Metro service alerts and social media. The latest service information is available at RideTrinityMetro.org/weather or through Customer Support & Solutions at 817-215-8600.
Monday trash pickup in Fort Worth, Arlington
Posted 4:15 p.m.
Both cities said Sunday that all garbage and recycling services will be postponed for Monday, Jan. 26. Check with the websites for the City of Fort Worth and the City of Arlington for more updates.
Fort Worth said in an update that there will be no residential collections on Monday or Tuesday. This includes garbage, recycling, yard waste and bulk waste. Regular schedules for garbage and recycling collections will resume on Wednesday with Wednesday routes, as scheduled. Monday and Tuesday customers will be allowed +2 extra bags next week, on Monday, Feb. 2, and Tuesday, Feb. 3, respectively.
Can trees really ‘explode’ in this cold weather?
Posted 4:12 p.m.
The short answer: Yes, but it’s extremely rare.
— Jake Harris
When to turn on your emergency heat in winter
Posted 4:10 p.m.
You might be tempted to turn on your heater’s emergency heat function Sunday night. Don’t do it unless it’s an emergency — it will cost you on your next bill.
— Jake Harris
Can I do laundry during a winter storm?
Posted 4 p.m.
A viral Instagram post this week had one Texan urging everyone to not do dishes or laundry this weekend so as to not put a strain on the power grid. Is it safe to do your laundry during a freeze? Experts say to take precautions if the washer and dryer is located in a room without heat.
— Jake Harris
What Texans are Googling during this winter storm
Posted 3:30 p.m.
Here are a few of the most popular Google searches over the past 24 hours in Dallas-Fort Worth:
“Is snow safe to eat?”
“Makeshift sled ideas”
“Liquor stores near me”
North Texas DPS offices closed Monday
Posted 2:15 p.m.
Texas Department of Public Safety offices across North Texas, including in Tarrant County, will be closed Monday, Jan. 26, because of winter weather, Texas DPS said in a news release.
Residents who had appointments on Jan. 26 will be contacted through their email to reschedule the appointment.
According to DPS, the following county offices are closed:
- Anderson
- Bowie
- Camp
- Cass
- Cherokee
- Collin
- Cooke
- Dallas
- Delta
- Denton
- Ellis
- Erath
- Fannin
- Franklin
- Grayson
- Gregg
- Harrison
- Henderson
- Hood
- Hopkins
- Hunt
- Johnson
- Kaufman
- Lamar
- Marion
- Morris
- Navarro
- Palo Pinto
- Panola
- Parker
- Rains
- Red River
- Rusk
- Rockwall
- Smith
- Somervell
- Tarrant
- Titus
- Upshur
- Van Zandt
- Wise
- Wood
Fort Worth weather update
Posted 1 p.m.
The winter storm warning and ice storm warning has expired in North Texas, but road travel will remain dangerous into Tuesday, the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office said.
Light bands of snow and flurries will continue this afternoon, including some lake-effect snow downwind of large water bodies. Little to know extra accumulation is expected.
“Today looks to be the coldest day of the winter so far with highs only in the mid 10s north to mid 20s south,” the NWS said. We could tie or break the daily high temperature record at both DFW (23 degrees set in 1940) and Waco (24 degrees set in 1940). This afternoon into early evening, North Texas may see another round of light snow along and north of I-20. Light snow accumulations appear possible this afternoon, especially across our northwest counties which could see up to one half inch. All light snow will end this evening.”
Tonight could be coldest night across North and Central Texas since at least January 2024, and possibly since December 2022 or February 2021.
“The combination of continued gusty north winds, Arctic airmass in place, widespread thick ice/sleet/snow cover on the ground, and gradually clearing skies should allow temperatures to drop into the single digits and teens. Parts of our northwest counties could even fall below zero tonight if clouds can clear out sufficiently.”
Daily record low temperatures will likely be tied or broken at both DFW (12 degrees set in 1904) and Waco (14 degrees set in 1940).
— Matt Leclercq
Check road conditions from home
Posted 11:44 a.m.
Most roads in Fort Worth are still covered in snow, sleet and ice. But if you have to travel Sunday, you can check the condition of roads on your commute without leaving your home. Click here to find out how. — Samuel O’Neal
It’s cold in Fort Worth. But where does it rank among North Texas’ coldest day ever?
Posted 10:49 a.m.
Fort Worth has been hit with its worst winter storm in years, causing roads to ice over. But where does it rank among the coldest days in the city’s history? Click here to find out. — Samuel O’Neal
Cook Children’s outpatient labs to remain closed Monday
Posted 10:36 a.m.
Cook Children’s Health Care System outpatient labs, primary care and specialty care offices will remain closed Monday as it continues to monitor the winter storm and the impact it has on road conditions, a spokesperson wrote in a statement.
Medical centers in Fort Worth and Prosper will continue to operate as normal. A full list of closures can be found here. — Samuel O’Neal
Roads still not considered safe for travel Sunday morning
Posted 10:13 a.m.
Travel conditions across Fort Worth and North Texas are still not considered safe for travel, and the Fort Worth Police Department and TxDOT are urging residents to stay home Sunday.
There were 17 accidents overnight, 13 weather-related traffic hazards, 24 transports to shelter and 75 stranded motorists between 7 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Sunday, a spokesperson for the Fort Worth Police Department told the Star-Telegram. — Samuel O’Neal
Winter storm impacts election polling places
Polling places in Tarrant County will be closed Sunday due to the inclement weather, according to the Tarrant County Elections Department.
The race between Republican Leigh Wambsganss and Democrat Taylor Rehmet has already brought out thousands of voters. The two are vying to represent much of the county until the winner of a general election in November takes office in 2027.
The winner of the election will fill the seat vacated by Kelly Hancock, who left the state Senate to become acting comptroller.
Early voting runs through Jan. 27, and Election Day is Jan. 31. — Lillie Davidson
What is lake effect snow?
Posted 10 a.m.
Weather forecasters say some areas in North Texas may see “lake effect snow” later on Sunday, after the skies have already cleared up. What is lake effect snow? It’s most common in the northern U.S. along the Great Lakes, and rarely in Texas. But it has happened before. — Matt Leclercq
Send us your snow photos!
Posted 9:45 a.m.
Millions of Texans have snow on the ground this morning, some for the first time in years. Take a look at photos from across North Texas, and send us yours: editors@star-telegram.com
What’s happening to Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo?
Posted 9:30 a.m.
The 129th edition of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo will continue as planned this weekend. FWSSR communications director Matt Brockman told the Star-Telegram earlier this week about the precautions taken to protect animals and people. Brockman encouraged folks coming to the show to bundle up and travel safe if they plan on coming this weekend. FWSSR has a no refunds or exchanges policy for rodeo tickets, which are only valid for their scheduled performances. — Emily Holshouser
Here’s how much snow cities across Texas received overnight
Posted 8:11 a.m.
Cities in the panhandle and closer to the Oklahoma border were hit hard this weekend by the storm. Small towns near Lubbock had it the worst. Read about how much snow every city in Texas got here. — Samuel O’Neal
Oncor slower than usual restore power due to road conditions
Posted 6:49 a.m.
Oncor personnel will have to travel through hazardous and icy road conditions to address power outages, which will result in delayed response times, a spokesperson wrote in a statement.
“Customers are encouraged not to travel unless necessary to help keep roadways clear for restoration personnel and other first responders,” the spokesperson wrote.
Oncor said its highest impact area continues to be the southeast region, around Cherokee, Angelina and Nacogdoches counties, but about 2,000 people in Tarrant are also without power Sunday morning. The estimated restoration time is at late as 1 p.m. for some customers.
In Tarrant, the largest current outages are in Hurst, River Oaks, and Saginaw. — Samuel O’Neal
Will insurance cover your winter storm damage?
From frozen pipes and power outages to tree damage, thousands of Fort Worth homeowners and renters may have to file claims in the coming days — not to mention drivers who wreck on icy roads. Are you covered? It depends. Here’s what to know. — Tiffani Jackson
Almost half of DFW flights canceled Sunday
Posted 6:22 a.m.
More than 400 scheduled flights departing from Dallas-Fort Worth airport and 411 arrivals are canceled Sunday, according to FlightAware. That is about 42% of the airports departing flights and 43% of arriving flights. Another 44 DFW flights are marked as delayed. FlightAware says more than 10,000 total flights are cancelled across the country as the major winter storm grips half the nation from Texas to New England.
At Dallas Love Field, there are 249 canceled flights, about 58% of departing flights and 52% of arriving flights. — Samuel O’Neal
Road conditions in North Texas
Posted 6:13 a.m.
“Gnarly” may not be an official meteorological term, but that’s how the National Weather Service in Fort Worth is describing conditions on roads and highways across the Metroplex. Take a look:
Trinity Metro cancellations and delays
Posted 6:05 a.m.
Trinity Metro bus services will be canceled all day Sunday due to challenging road conditions and for the protections of customers and team members, a spokesperson wrote in a statement.
TEXRail will operate on a delayed schedule Sunday morning. The first eastbound train from Fort Worth to DFW Airport will not depart until 6:35 a.m. The first westbound train will be 6:40 a.m. The TRE train between Fort Worth and Dallas will not operate Sunday. —Samuel O’Neal
When will the snow end?
Posted 5:10 a.m.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth said this morning that we have a slight chance of light snow showers before noon today, then a chance of brief flurries around 2 p.m., but today will be mostly cloudy and cold. High temperatures will be just 21. Wind chills will reach as low as -4 this morning.
Overall chance of flurries today is about 20% and winds could reach 30 mph, but will sit between 15 and 20 mph for most of the day. Then a low temp of 9 late tonight. —Samuel O’Neal
Nearly 2,000 power outages in Tarrant County
Posted 5 a.m.
More than 18,000 Oncor Electric customers across Texas were without power as of about 5 a.m. Sunday, including almost 2,000 in Tarrant County. The latest estimated restoration time for some customers is as late as 1 p.m. Sunday. Read more here. —Samuel O’Neal
Grocery stores are opening at 8 a.m.
Most major grocery store chains in North Texas closed early on Saturday and are expected to open at 8 a.m. this morning. Here’s the latest.
New daily weather forecast for Fort Worth
- Sunday: A slight chance of snow showers before noon, then a chance of flurries between noon and 3 pm, then a slight chance of snow showers after 3 pm. Mostly cloudy and cold, with a high near 21. Wind chill values between -3 and 6. North northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
- Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 8. Wind chill values between -2 and 3. North northwest wind 5 to 15 mph.
- Monday: Sunny and cold, with a high near 29. Wind chill values between -3 and 7. North wind around 5 mph.
- Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 12. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph after midnight.
- Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 42. South southwest wind around 5 mph.
- Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 20. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Check back to star-telegram.com for more updates all day.
This story was originally published January 25, 2026 at 5:28 AM.
