Lubbock, TX – A potent winter storm expected to arrive late Friday could bring dangerous travel conditions to the Lubbock area through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Lubbock, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Friday afternoon through early Sunday for the South Plains and Rolling Plains. Forecast guidance shows the potential for 4 inches or more of snow, along with freezing rain and sleet, though exact precipitation amounts remain uncertain.
Forecasters warn that even small amounts of ice — one-tenth of an inch or more — could make roads extremely hazardous. Travel may become very difficult or impossible at times, particularly during periods of freezing rain or heavier snowfall.
The storm is expected to be followed by bitter cold, with an Extreme Cold Watch issued for Saturday. Wind chills could drop as low as 15 degrees below zero Saturday morning, increasing the risk of frostbite and worsening roadway conditions due to refreezing.
Drivers traveling on U.S. Highway 62/82, U.S. Highway 84, Loop 289, and Interstate 27 should prepare for slick, icy roads and reduced visibility, especially overnight Friday into Saturday.
The National Weather Service urged residents to finalize preparations now, including adjusting travel plans, ensuring vehicles are winter-ready, and preparing for possible power disruptions. Commuters, weekend workers, and long-distance travelers should closely monitor forecast updates as details continue to be refined.
