Winter Storm Fern’s “second wave” is bearing down on North Texas, bringing a fresh round of sleet and snow after a brief Saturday afternoon reprieve, according to meteorologists tracking the system.
The region has already seen significant accumulation, with 1 to 1.5 inches of sleet blanketing Dallas County and surrounding areas since the storm began late Friday. Now residents are bracing for what forecasters warn could be the most substantial precipitation yet.
“We’re now heading into the second wave of the winter storm,” FOX 4 Chief Meteorologist Dan Henry explained. “The precipitation has been on and off all afternoon. That should continue for the next few hours. Then, as the night wears on, we’ll see the bulk of our accumulation.”
Lake Effect Complicates Forecast
What makes this winter weather event particularly challenging? It’s not just the sleet that’s causing problems. FOX 4 reporter Shannon Murray observed an unusual meteorological phenomenon affecting downtown Dallas.
“About an inch, an inch and a half of sleet. We do have some flurries you can see coming down right now… this is actually the lake effect snow coming down from Lake Lewisville here to downtown Dallas that is going to lay on top of just a very thick layer of ice,” Murray reported from the field.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth is monitoring the situation closely. Meteorologist David Bonnette predicted the afternoon lull would be short-lived: “There’s going to be another more widespread, a more robust, round of winter precipitation this evening and overnight.”
This matches assessments from NWS meteorologist Brennen Darrah, who noted that while Winter Storm Fern’s widespread precipitation is expected to taper off by Sunday, isolated snow showers remain possible. The greater concern, however, will be freezing temperatures that could turn slush into dangerous ice.
Regional Impact Varies
The storm isn’t confined to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. KOCO 5 Chief Meteorologist Damon Lane has been tracking the system as it affects Oklahoma as well, where snow totals have varied significantly depending on location.
Still, North Texas appears to be bearing the brunt of Fern’s wrath at the moment. The combination of sleet and snow creates particularly hazardous conditions, as the layer of ice beneath fresh snow can create deceptively dangerous surfaces for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Authorities continue to urge residents to stay home if possible. Those venturing out should prepare for rapidly changing conditions as temperatures hover near or below freezing throughout the weekend.
As Winter Storm Fern continues its slow march across the region, the question isn’t just how much more precipitation will fall, but how long the dangerous conditions will persist once the storm finally moves on.
