A Metroplex Frozen: The January 2026 Storm That Shut DFW Down

Winter Storm Fern: Texas Braces Under Ice, Snow and Frigid Cold

January 23–26, 2026 — Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas

The Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex found itself in the grip of a rare and powerful winter storm this January, as Winter Storm Fern  brought widespread ice, sleet, snow and dangerously low temperatures to North Texas. The storm stretched across much of the United States, prompting weather alerts and emergency responses from Texas to the East Coast.

Sleet and Snow in DFW

North Texas experienced a mix of wintry precipitation, including sleet, snow and freezing rain that coated roads and infrastructure throughout the weekend. Several areas north of the metroplex recorded several inches of sleet and snow, with DFW Airport setting a new daily snowfall record on January 25.

Temperatures plunged well below freezing for multiple days, with dangerous wind chills and extended periods without thawing. Ice-covered roads and bridges made travel treacherous for drivers.

Power Outages and Preparedness

Although the electrical grid in North Texas held up far better than during past extreme events, scattered outages did occur across the region. Utility reports showed thousands of customers in Dallas and Tarrant counties briefly losing power as ice weighed down limbs and infrastructure. These outages were relatively short-lived thanks to rapid restoration efforts.

Across the broader South, hundreds of thousands of customers lost power as ice brought down trees and snapped power lines — highlighting how widespread the storm’s impact was beyond Texas.

Dangerous Roads and Crashes

The icy conditions quickly translated into danger on the streets. In Arlington alone, police responded to 40 crashes over a single weekend, with nearly half considered major incidents involving injuries or blocked roadways.

In Dallas County and surrounding areas, emergency services were busy with dozens of traffic accidents and responses to abandoned or disabled vehicles stuck on slick highways. Authorities continued to urge motorists to stay off the roads unless travel was absolutely necessary.

Tragic Losses and Safety Risks

While North Texas did not see the highest fatalities from the storm in the nation, tragic incidents did occur. A sledding accident in Frisco claimed the life of a teenager, and authorities reported multiple deaths in Texas associated with the cold and ice. Across the broader U.S., the storm has been linked to dozens of deaths due to hypothermia, accidents and weather-related hazards.

The dangerous conditions also led to widespread cancellations and disruptions, including flights at major airports like Dallas–Fort Worth International and Love Field.

Community Response and Looking Ahead

Local officials and emergency crews were heavily engaged throughout the storm, responding to crashes, welfare checks and other winter-related emergencies. Residents were reminded to check on vulnerable neighbors, limit travel, and keep safe warming supplies ready as the deep freeze continued.

As temperatures rise and the ice slowly melts, authorities have warned of secondary hazards like refreezing overnight and unstable road surfaces, meaning the storm’s effects could linger in the days ahead.