Nearly the entire state of Texas is under active winter weather alerts as a powerful winter storm sweeps into the region.

According to the National Weather Service and major weather outlets, the storm — part of an expansive Arctic system affecting much of the United States — has driven sub-freezing temperatures from North Texas down toward South Texas and the Gulf Coast.

The Arctic front arrived late Friday with temperatures dropping across Texas. Forecasters report that Saturday began with cold rain, then transitioned to freezing rain and sleet.

National Weather Service warnings remain in effect through Sunday in many Central and South Texas counties as temperatures stay below freezing and hazardous conditions worsen. Travel hazards such as ice accumulation and sleet are expected statewide throughout the day, resulting in poor road conditions.

Monday, Jan. 26, temperatures are forecast to remain freezing in many areas, leading to hazardous conditions, especially during early morning hours. Numerous forecasts predict freezing rain and sleet across several counties, especially along the Interstate 35 corridor and in the Hill Country.

Ice accumulations could exceed one-fourth inch in some areas, enough to stress infrastructure and make travel dangerous.

Officials caution residents to avoid travel unless necessary, as bridges, overpasses, and elevated roadways are hazardous. The National Weather Service has strongly discouraged most travel for the duration of the storm.

Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) issued a weather watch from Jan. 24–27, citing forecast temperatures below freezing, high demand, and potentially lower reserves. Utilities, including CenterPoint Energy and Entergy Texas, announced preparations for the storm and staged crews for potential restoration efforts should outages occur.

Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 134 counties, allocating resources to help communities prepare and respond. Officials have stressed that the electrical grid is far better prepared than during the 2021 winter storm, though local outages are possible if ice accumulates on power lines.

Multiple cities and organizations opened warming centers and urged vulnerable residents to take precautions. Residents have been advised to prepare for potential extended power outages by stocking nonperishable food, water, and flashlights, protecting outdoor plumbing and pets from prolonged cold, and avoiding non-essential travel through Monday.

Devine ISD announced all campuses will be closed on Monday in response to ongoing winter weather conditions.