Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas Brace for Major Winter Storm With Heavy Snow, Ice, and Dangerous Travel From Friday Through Monday

UNITED STATES — A powerful winter storm is expected to impact a large portion of the south-central United States beginning late Friday, bringing a dangerous mix of heavy snow, sleet, and ice across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and parts of the Mid-South, with impacts likely lasting into early next week.

Forecast confidence is increasing as the system moves within 36 hours of arrival, and weather models now show a widespread zone of significant winter impacts stretching from West Texas through Oklahoma and into Arkansas, with hazardous travel conditions expected across multiple states.

Storm Timeline: Impacts Begin Friday, Worsen Through the Weekend

Based on the latest timing data, precipitation will begin spreading into the region Friday afternoon and evening, quickly transitioning to frozen precipitation as cold air deepens at the surface.

Once freezing precipitation begins, conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly, especially overnight Friday into Saturday. Travel conditions may remain hazardous through Sunday and into Monday as lingering snow, ice, and extremely cold temperatures prevent melting.

Snowfall Forecast: Heavy Totals Possible Across Oklahoma and Northern Arkansas

Current projections show a broad swath of snow developing across the southern Plains:

• West Texas:
  Snowfall generally ranging from 2–4 inches, increasing farther north and east.
• Western and Central Oklahoma:
  Snow totals increasing to 4–8 inches, with locally higher amounts possible where heavier bands develop.
• Northern Oklahoma into Northern Arkansas:
  A corridor of 8–12 inches, with isolated areas potentially reaching 12–18 inches, depending on storm track and band placement.

Forecast models suggest Oklahoma could experience one of its more significant snow events in recent years, though exact totals will continue to be refined.

Ice Storm Threat: Arkansas and the Mid-South Face the Greatest Risk

In addition to snow, a dangerous ice storm setup is becoming increasingly likely across Arkansas and nearby states.

• Central and Southern Arkansas:
  A zone of moderate icing is expected, with freezing rain accumulating on roads, trees, and power lines.
• Eastern Arkansas into the Mid-South:
  The threat increases toward a significant ice storm, where freezing rain may dominate for an extended period.

Even light ice accumulation can cause major travel disruptions, and moderate icing greatly increases the risk of power outages and tree damage.

Texas Metro Areas: Snow and Ice Overlap Raises Travel Concerns

Parts of North Texas, including the Dallas–Fort Worth area, fall within an overlapping zone of snow and ice:

• Snow amounts around 2–4 inches
• Potential for moderate icing, especially on bridges and elevated roadways

This combination could lead to dangerous driving conditions, particularly during peak travel times late Friday and Saturday.

Why This Storm Is Concerning

This system is being driven by a strong surge of Arctic air colliding with moisture from the south, creating a long, continuous corridor of winter weather impacts across several states.

The overlap of heavy snow, freezing rain, and extremely cold temperatures increases the likelihood that impacts will linger well beyond the end of precipitation, prolonging hazardous conditions.

What Happens Next

Forecast updates will continue as higher-resolution data becomes available. Snow and ice totals may still shift north or south depending on the final track of the storm.

Residents across the affected states should:

• Complete travel and supply preparations before Friday
• Expect dangerous road conditions through the weekend
• Monitor local forecasts closely for updates on warnings and advisories

This storm has the potential to become one of the most impactful winter events of the season for the south-central United States, particularly for Oklahoma and Arkansas, where both snow and ice impacts may be severe.

Stay with Cabarrus Weekly for continuing updates as this winter storm unfolds.