CENTRAL TEXAS — The First Alert 25 Weather Team is tracking a potentially historic winter event for Central Texas. Rain moved into the area early this morning, and will transition to snow throughout the morning and early afternoon from west to east. Moderate to heavy snow accumulations are expected across the area.
A winter storm warning is in effect for all of Central Texas and the Brazos Valley until 6 a.m. Monday. This the highest criteria of a winter storm alert issued by the National Weather Service.
As of now, the transition to snow will likely occur in the late morning our around lunchtime. The time of this transition will impact snow totals. A brief period of sleet may occur during the transition period, but little to no ice accumulation is expected.
Forecast models are in good agreement that moderate to heavy snow accumulations are likely across the entire area. As of Sunday morning, Central Texas may see between three and six inches with a few areas seeing eight inches or more. The Brazos Valley could also see moderate snow accumulations, too.
Again, totals will heavily rely on the storm's path. A 25 to 50-mile north or south shift could drastically change totals. Stay tuned with First Alert 25 for updates as they come in.
Impacts to travel are expected. The Texas Department of Transportation has pre-treated bridges and overpasses across the area, but roads are expected to be slick while snow is falling. Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing by Monday morning. Slick spots are possible during the morning rush hour.
The snow is expected to be wet and heavy, and this may lead to a few power outages in the area. It is advised to have fuel in your vehicle in case you need to seek a warming center or shelter if power is lost.
It was nearly ten years ago on February 4, 2011, when Central Texas received at least one inch of snow from a winter storm. The last three-inch snow event occurred a year earlier on February 23, 2010. Six inches of snow was reported in Central Texas on January 13, 1982.
The largest winter storm snow total in Central Texas remains at 13 inches on December 20-21, 1929. Hillsboro still holds the greatest 24-hour snowfall record for the state of Texas, which was around two feet on December 20-21, 1929.
