Midland, Texas – Travel across West Texas and the Permian Basin could become treacherous beginning Friday as a prolonged winter storm threatens to bring a dangerous mix of ice, sleet, and snow, followed by sharply colder temperatures that may linger into early next week.
According to the National Weather Service in Midland/Odessa, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Friday morning through late Saturday night for much of West Texas and southeast New Mexico. Areas including Midland, Odessa, Big Spring, Fort Stockton, Pecos, Andrews, and Monahans face the risk of moderate to heavy freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Forecasters warn that ice accumulation on roads, bridges, and overpasses could make travel hazardous or impossible at times.
Farther south and west, Central Brewster County, the Davis Mountains, Terrell County, and the Highway 54 corridor near Van Horn may see significant ice buildup on power lines and tree limbs. Communities such as Alpine, Fort Davis, Marathon, Sanderson, and Big Bend National Park are at risk for long-lasting power outages if ice accumulates as expected.
The storm is also expected to usher in dangerously cold temperatures from Saturday night through Monday morning, increasing concerns for exposed pipes, livestock, and those without reliable heat. Residents are urged to delay non-essential travel, prepare for potential power disruptions, and monitor updates as watches could be upgraded to warnings if confidence in impacts increases.
