Midland, Texas – Travel across West Texas and southeast New Mexico is expected to become extremely dangerous beginning Friday as a prolonged winter storm spreads ice, sleet, and snow across the region, threatening power outages and near-impassable roads through Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Midland–Odessa, a Winter Storm Warning is in effect from late Friday morning through Sunday midday for much of West Texas and southeast New Mexico. Ice accumulations up to four-tenths of an inch are expected across the Permian Basin, Big Bend region, and surrounding counties, with snow and sleet totals reaching up to three inches. In the Guadalupe and Davis Mountains, higher elevations could see 4 to 6 inches of snow with significant icing.
The storm is expected to intensify through Friday afternoon and evening, likely impacting the evening commute in Midland, Odessa, Big Spring, Fort Stockton, Pecos, Andrews, and Carlsbad. Bridges and overpasses along I-20, I-10, U.S. 285, and U.S. 67 are expected to ice over quickly. The weight of ice on trees and power lines may lead to widespread and long-lasting power outages.
Residents are urged to delay all travel if possible, prepare for extended power disruptions, and ensure emergency kits are ready. Road conditions can be checked at drivetexas.org in Texas and nmroads.com in New Mexico. Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect through Sunday midday, and conditions may remain hazardous even after precipitation tapers off.
