Winter’s icy grip has tightened across North Texas as a dangerous storm system brings freezing conditions expected to last for days, prompting widespread school closures and warnings of treacherous travel.
An Ice Storm Warning remains in effect for parts of North Texas through Sunday at noon, with a Winter Storm Warning covering North and Central Texas through the same period, followed by an Extreme Cold Warning extending to Tuesday noon, meteorologists have confirmed.
Extended Freeze and Hazardous Conditions
The bitter cold isn’t going anywhere fast. Forecasters at FOX 4 warn that temperatures may remain below freezing until Tuesday afternoon — a prolonged period that could create hazardous travel conditions for more than 72 hours and potentially trigger localized power outages as ice accumulates on trees and power lines across the region.
Most of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has already seen 1 to 2 inches of accumulation, primarily in the form of sleet. The impact varies significantly by location — areas north of DFW reported 3 to 5 inches of snow and sleet mix, while southern portions received around an inch of winter precipitation, according to weather reports.
How bad are conditions expected to get? Bad enough that virtually every major school district in the region has thrown in the towel for Monday.
Schools Announce Widespread Closures
Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD, Frisco ISD, Plano ISD, Arlington ISD, Garland ISD, Allen ISD and numerous others have canceled all classes for Monday. Many districts across DFW have also scrapped after-school activities as officials prioritize student and staff safety.
The closures extend beyond the immediate metroplex. Boerne ISD announced, “All schools will be closed. Classes canceled,” for Monday, as the winter storm’s effects reach into other parts of the state. In the Hill Country, Fredericksburg ISD will also close Monday due to icy road conditions, while Mason ISD has opted for a two-hour delay, local officials stated.
The winter storm’s impact extends beyond education. Scottish Rite’s outpatient clinics and all ancillary appointments at both their Dallas and Frisco campuses will be canceled Monday, including the Frisco Fracture Clinic and Therapy Services at The Star. While surgeries at the Frisco location have been rescheduled, Dallas surgeries are still set to continue at 10 a.m., according to announcements.
The disruptions come as North Texas grapples with a winter storm bringing a dangerous mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow. These conditions have created hazardous roads across the region, prompting many school districts, churches, and institutions to announce closures in an abundance of caution.
For residents facing this extended cold snap, officials continue to advise staying home if possible. With temperatures not expected to climb above freezing until Tuesday afternoon, this winter storm is settling in for the long haul.
