Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma Panhandle, and Western Kansas See Adjusted Snow Totals as Heaviest Impacts Shift to Late Saturday Night Into Sunday Morning
UNITED STATES — New forecast updates show snow totals have shifted slightly across the combined Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles, with lighter snowfall expected through much of Saturday afternoon before more impactful snow develops late Saturday night into early Sunday morning. Forecasters caution that while early conditions may appear manageable, the most disruptive period is still ahead.
Updated Snow Totals Across the Panhandles
Revised 72-hour snowfall projections indicate a west-to-east gradient in totals, with the highest accumulations now focused across the eastern Panhandles.
Forecast totals from Friday through Sunday include:
- Western Texas Panhandle (Dalhart, Dumas, Stratford): 4–6 inches
- Central Panhandle (Amarillo, Borger, Pampa): 4–6 inches
- Eastern Texas Panhandle (Canadian, Wheeler, Clarendon): 6–8 inches
- Oklahoma Panhandle (Guymon, Perryton, Beaver): 4–8 inches
Despite these totals, snow cover on the ground may remain light through Saturday afternoon, which could give a false sense of improvement before conditions rapidly deteriorate.
Probability of Heavy Snow Still Elevated East
While widespread totals above 12 inches remain unlikely, probability guidance shows:
- 40–70% chance of heavier snowfall bands across eastern Panhandle counties
- 10–40% chance across central areas
- Less than 10% chance across the far western Panhandle
These probabilities reinforce that localized higher-impact snow bands remain possible, especially where snowfall rates increase late in the event.
Snowfall Rates and Travel Impacts
Snowfall rates may briefly reach 1 to 2 inches per hour late Saturday night into early Sunday morning, particularly across eastern sections of the Panhandles.
Potential impacts include:
- Hazardous travel conditions
- Slick and snow-covered roadways
- Rapidly reduced visibility
- Difficult overnight and early-morning travel
Road conditions may worsen quickly during peak snowfall, even if roads appear wet or only lightly covered earlier in the day.
Timing: What to Expect Hour by Hour
Forecast timing shows a slow start followed by a sharp increase in impacts:
- Friday: Light snow develops, with totals generally under 2 inches
- Early Saturday: Snow continues but remains light, with limited accumulation
- Saturday morning to early afternoon: A lull in precipitation is expected
- Saturday evening into Sunday morning: Heaviest snowfall rates of the event
- Sunday morning: Snow tapers off, but travel impacts linger
Forecasters stress that Saturday evening through early Sunday is the critical window for both accumulation and travel hazards.
Mixed Precipitation Early, All Snow Later
Initial precipitation may include a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow, especially south of Highway 60, before transitioning to all snow by late Friday.
Ice accumulations are expected to remain light, but even small amounts could contribute to slick roads when combined with snow.
Bottom Line
Although snow totals were adjusted slightly downward for early periods, the overall impact of this winter system has not diminished. The most significant snowfall and travel disruptions are still expected late Saturday night into Sunday morning, particularly across eastern portions of the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles.
Residents should not let early lighter snowfall lead to complacency, as conditions are expected to worsen quickly once the main snow band arrives.
Stay with Cabarrus Weekly for continued updates as timing and snowfall rates continue to evolve.
