From El Paso to San Antonio to Dallas, the National Weather Service has issued a wind warning as a massive storm moves across the United States, bringing all types of weather with it. In the Panhandle, several inches of snow are expected to fall, creating hazardous travel conditions with snowfall expected.
Here are all the wild weather conditions expected for Monday.
advertisement
Article continues below this ad
A snow storm hits the Texas Panhandle
The National Weather Service warns of a snowstorm sweeping across the South, hitting Texas and Oklahoma on Monday, January 8. The national agency issued a dangerous weather forecast, warning that the region could see between 1 and 8 inches of snow.
“A blizzard warning is in effect for the Oklahoma Panhandle as well as the western and northern Texas Panhandle until 6 a.m. Tuesday,” the warning read. “Snow accumulation of 1 to 8 inches is expected with north wind gusts up to 65 mph, reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile at time in blackout conditions.”
advertisement
Article continues below this ad
What is bleach? It is defined as a winter weather condition when snow covers an area, objects no longer cast shadows, the horizon is no longer visible, and only dark objects can be seen in the distance. Essentially, it is a dangerous blizzard situation where visibility is low for those in the storm.
Along with the bouts of snow expected to hit the Panhandle — which just saw its first snowfall of the season last week — there is a wind advisory in place for the northern part of Texas like the rest of the state. The National Weather Service warns that winds of 35 to 40 mph with gusts over 60 mph may continue throughout Monday and into Tuesday morning.
While Monday is expected to be a dicey day for the Texas Panhandle, the weather is expected to clear up a bit the rest of the week as the sun begins to emerge Tuesday afternoon. However, temperatures in cities like Amarillo are expected to continue to dip into the 20s and even reach 16 degrees Thursday night as more snow storms move through.
Tornado and wind warnings for most of Texas
High wind warnings are in place for much of Texas as a cold front moves across the United States, bringing with it strong winds and the chance of severe thunderstorms. With this combination, the National Weather Service warns of a possible increased risk of tornadoes across Southeast Texas.
advertisement
Article continues below this ad
“There is an increased risk of severe thunderstorms across the central Gulf Coast tonight and into early Tuesday morning,” the National Weather Service warned. “Severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong wind gusts and tornadoes are expected from southeast Texas across the central Gulf Coast this afternoon through early Tuesday morning.”
Before the wind warning — which affects the entire southern portion of Texas from El Paso to Dallas — a tornado had already touched down in Brazoria County on Friday, Jan. 5, as confirmed by the National Weather Service, which issued a tornado warning that morning.
For San Antonio, the National Weather Service is warning of sustained winds of 20 to 35 mph and gusts that could reach 50 to 55 mph as a cold front in the Pacific Ocean moves across the U.S. from the northwest. These conditions could create dangerous fire conditions, according to the state agency. Furthermore, the strong winds and gusts in the Texas Hill Country, specifically cities like Fredericksburg and New Braunfels, could see tornadoes.
“Some strong to severe storms will be possible mid-morning through late afternoon along and east of the Fredericksburg to New Braunfels-to-Speaks line,” the National Weather Service warns. “Strong to the point of damaging wind gusts and potentially isolated tornadoes.”
advertisement
Article continues below this ad
A red flag warning remains in effect for much of the greater Austin-San Antonio area — a warning of potential fire risks amid low humidity and high winds — from 9am to 9pm on Monday, January 8. A wind warning remains in effect throughout Monday until noon on Tuesday, January 9.
Cold temperatures in the 20s and strong winds are also expected across much of Southwest Texas, including major cities like El Paso, according to the National Weather Service. The agency warned of sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph, with gusts of 50 mph. Dust is sure to blow across western parts of the Lone Star State, and there may be chances of light rain and snow.
To the northeast, the national forecaster is warning residents of cities like Dallas to secure any loose objects outside as strong winds gust across the Brazos Valley and east-central Texas and are expected to continue to build across north-central Texas throughout Monday and into 6 p.m. Tuesday. January 9. Other than high winds, the National Weather Service is warning of strong to severe storms Monday morning through the afternoon.