Lubbock, Texas – Dangerously cold air will settle across West Texas overnight, bringing a prolonged stretch of bitter wind chills that could threaten safety, infrastructure, and livestock through the start of the new week.
According to the National Weather Service in Lubbock, an Extreme Cold Warning is in effect from midnight tonight until noon CST Monday for the South Plains, Rolling Plains, and the far southern Texas Panhandle. Wind chills are expected to fall as low as 15 degrees below zero, creating conditions where frostbite can develop on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
The warning includes Lubbock, Hale, Floyd, Crosby, Dickens, Garza, Lynn, Terry, Yoakum, Hockley, Lamb, Bailey, Parmer, Castro, Swisher, Briscoe, Hall, Childress, Motley, Cottle, Kent, and Stonewall counties. Cities affected include Lubbock, Plainview, Levelland, Brownfield, Littlefield, Muleshoe, Denver City, Childress, Floydada, Tahoka, Post, Slaton, Ralls, Crosbyton, and Tulia.
Officials warn the extended freeze could lead to ruptured water pipes and increased strain on heating systems. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors, dress in layers with face protection, keep pets indoors, and check on elderly neighbors. Portable heaters should be used safely, and generators or grills should never be operated indoors.
The Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect from midnight tonight through noon Monday, with officials monitoring conditions closely in case additional advisories are needed.
