LUBBOCK, Texas — An Extreme Cold Warning has been issued for much of the South Plains, Rolling Plains and the far southern Texas Panhandle, beginning midnight Saturday and lasting through noon CST Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said wind chills are expected to drop as low as 15 degrees below zero, creating dangerous conditions across a wide portion of west Texas. While not as extreme as recent cold outbreaks in the northern Plains, officials warned the prolonged duration of freezing temperatures poses a serious risk.
The warning covers communities including Lubbock, Plainview, Brownfield, Levelland, Muleshoe, Childress, Denver City, Tahoka, Post, Slaton, Floydada, Crosbyton and Dimmitt, among others.
The National Weather Service said frostbite could occur on exposed skin within 30 minutes, while extended exposure increases the risk of hypothermia. The cold may also cause water pipes to freeze or rupture, particularly in unprotected structures.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, wear layered clothing including hats, gloves and face coverings, and bring pets indoors. Officials also encouraged residents to check on elderly neighbors and to use space heaters safely, warning against using generators or grills indoors.
Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through much of the weekend before slowly moderating early next week.
