SOURCE: Mary Jones, OEP Director
…Freezing Rain/Drizzle Today for Portions of NE Texas, SE Oklahoma, and SW Arkansas…
…Cold Weather and Possible Accumulation of Snow/Sleet/Ice Early Next Week…
Timing and Overview:
- An Arctic air mass will continue to invade from the northwest, continuing a major pattern change across our area through next week.
- A mix of rain, freezing rain, and freezing drizzle will push through the area today into tonight and early Friday. An additional Winter Weather Advisory is possible for tonight into Friday morning for parts of the area.
- Temperatures will continue to drop each day through early next week with an extended period of sub-freezing temperatures for most of our area from late this weekend through at least early next week.
- We continue to monitor the threat of a significant winter storm on Monday that would bring potential snow, sleet, and ice accumulations to the area.
Expected Accumulations:
- Some icing from just a light glaze up to near a tenth of an inch of ice is possible through noon today for portions of NE Texas, SE Oklahoma, and SW Arkansas.
- For early next week, it is still too early to tell specifics on accumulation amounts and timing due to the uncertainty, however snow/sleet/ice accumulations will be possible.
Impacts:
- A light icing is possible in the advisory area today, particularly on bridges, overpasses, trees, and powerlines.
- Prolonged cold temperatures and wind chills (especially north of I-20) Sunday into Tuesday will be a concern for unprotected pipes, plants, and pets left outdoors.
- There is the potential for major travel impacts should a winter storm develop for the area early next week.
o Confidence in significant weather impacts is increasing.