Wintry blast could bring snow, icy conditions to South Plains

Avery Dishaw
·2 min read
A TxDOT dynamic message board on South Loop 289 cautions drivers ahead of expected wintry weather.
A TxDOT dynamic message board on South Loop 289 cautions drivers ahead of expected wintry weather.

Expect the potential for icy roadways - and the need to slow down - as a potent cold front was expected to bring below freezing temperatures and wintry precipitation to Lubbock and the South Plains as early as late Tuesday through Wednesday.

Freezing drizzle and snow accumulations up to two inches are in the forecast for the Lubbock area, with below-freezing temperatures are expected to arrive Tuesday night, with a high of 30 degrees expected Wednesday and a low of 18 degrees overnight, according to the National Weather Service in Lubbock.

Ron McQueen, lead forecaster with the National Weather Service in Lubbock, said to expect snowfall on Wednesday during the day before the wintry precipitation shifts east off of the Caprock.

“We’ve got a pretty good chance of light snow falling across the area, mainly during the day on Wednesday, perhaps extending into the evening,” McQueen said.

McQueen said the area can expect whatever falls on Wednesday to melt off by Thursday.

The National Weather Service in Lubbock forecast a chance for widespread snowfall and wintry precipitation across the South Plains and Panhandle Tuesday into Wednesday.
The National Weather Service in Lubbock forecast a chance for widespread snowfall and wintry precipitation across the South Plains and Panhandle Tuesday into Wednesday.

“Temperatures will moderate by Thursday back above freezing. On Wednesday, we’re looking for highs of likely, remaining below freezing all day,” McQueen said. “By Thursday, we’ll see more sunshine, temperatures warming up in the 40s, and that should pretty much take care of what fell on Wednesday.”

Hazardous travel conditions including slippery highways and overpasses, some snow-covered roads, and reduced visibility will be possible Tuesday night into Wednesday, according to the Weather Service.

Dianah Ascencio, a spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Transportation in Lubbock, said TxDOT crews will be taking precautionary measures to pre-treat bridges, overpasses, roadways, and other critical areas with brine on Tuesday.

“The brine will only aid in the prevention of ice forming on the roads,” Ascencio said. “It won’t stop the ice from forming, so please be careful.”

Additionally, TxDOT will have 24-hour crews on the ground until weather conditions improve by Thursday.

Ascencio said it is important for people on the road to be careful and drive smart.

“Slow down, increase following distance and regularly check updated weather conditions,” Ascencio said.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Wintry blast could bring snow, icy conditions to South Plains