An Arctic cold front is pushing its way through our country, and it’s already caused Texas temperatures to drop. Warnings and cold weather advisories fill newsrooms across the state: the National Weather Service (NWS) issued freeze warnings for central, eastern, and coastal Texas. Cold weather advisories are also in effect across the Gulf Coast.
Here’s what Texans can expect from this dangerous winter event.
What Do You Need to Know?
The temperatures caused by this Arctic cold front can cause frostbite within minutes, as well as hypothermia. It can easily wreak havoc on crops, vegetation, and homes. Texans are also bracing for potential snowfall later this week, which could impede transportation and electricity infrastructure.
Electricity supply has been a major challenge in past extreme cold events. As many know, the Texas power grid failed in 2021, leaving more than 4 million people without power or access to food and water.
The storm is forecasted to reach shocking lows across the state. The National Weather System notes sub-freezing conditions with temperatures as low as 24 degrees Fahrenheit, with wind chills reaching as low as 10 degrees in central and eastern Texas.
North Texas, including Dallas-Fort Worth, sees slightly lower temperatures with wind chills ranging from 5-10 degrees.
What Are Meteorologists Saying?
Meteorologist Dylan Federico called the situation “dangerous” on X, warning North Texans of single-digit wind chills on Monday morning.
Dylan Federico, meteorologist for Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, on X: “Dangerous situation with wind chills already in the teens in North Texas. It will feel like the single digits tomorrow morning. Stay safe!”
Ryan Maue, research meteorologist, on X: “Dallas-Fort Worth right on edge of heavy snowfall. We’re talking upwards of 15 inches possible by Friday morning… Whatever falls will melt on Saturday when temperatures push 50 degrees.”
Chris Ramirez, KHOU11 meteorologist: “In anticipation for the cold blast headed our way the NWS has issued a Freeze Warning for all of southeast Texas from 12am-9am Monday. Temperatures tonight are expected to drop to or below freezing. We could see temperatures drop into the 20s north of Houston.”
Jordan Darensbourg, KVUE meteorologist: “A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for all of Central Texas from Midnight tonight through 10 a.m. Monday morning, as lows could get down to the 20s and wind chills could get down to the teens. Remember the Four P’s – Pets, Plants, Pipes, and People.”
What Happens Next
In 2021, when the Texas Power Grid failed during an unprecedented winter event, AccuWeather called the storm a ‘once in a generation’ event. It remains to be seen if this week’s cold front will be as disastrous, but this is a cold front you’ll need to prepare for. Please take every necessary step and precautions to stay safe.
Source credit goes to Newsweek.
