North Texas Snowfall Events
2013-1879

• December 5-6, 2013
  A winter storm affected much of North and Central Texas for an extended period from December 5th through the 10th. A combination of freezing rain, sleet, and a little snow began falling during the day on the 5th and continued through the morning hours of the 6th. As the ice and sleet settled on the 6th, a thick layer of ice paralyzed most of the area north of a line from Goldthwaite to Cleburne to Ennis to Sulphur Springs. In this area, accumulations of sleet and ice measured up to 5" with the highest amounts from Denton to Sherman to Bonham. Temperatures remained below freezing until the 9th and 10th resulting in a prolonged winter event. Most residents were forced to remain at home for several days. A new term, coined "cobblestone ice", was used to describe the condition of the ice on the interstates and highways due to the compaction of ice and sleet. South of this area, lighter amounts of icing occurred producing mainly icy bridges, overpasses, and elevated surfaces. As a result of the ice storm, significant tree damage occurred with thousands of tree branches falling under the weight of the ice. Power lines were also brought down, and at the peak of the storm, 275,000 customers were without power in the North Texas region. Most schools, especially in the hardest hit areas, were closed for several days. Some businesses were forced to close for a day or two also. Hundreds of injuries were reported due to falls on the ice but exact numbers were not available. Seven fatalities occurred during this event; 4 in vehicles, 2 from exposure, and 1 from a fall on the ice. Early estimates from the insurance council estimated $30 million in residential insured loses. The estimate did not include damage to vehicles or roads. Many roads and bridges were damaged from the ice and/or from attempts by TXDOT to remove the ice using plows and graders. Hundreds of people and semis were stranded for long periods on many of the main highways and interstates including I-35 from Fort Worth to the Oklahoma border and Interstate 20 from Fort Worth going west. The clean-up from this event took weeks and even a few months is some places..
• December 25, 2012
  A strong upper level system and cold front first brought hail-producing thunderstorms to the region, then a winter weather event that 
  included snow and sleet. The storms produced lots of pea sized hail and occasionally slightly larger hail. The snow fell generally north of a line from Breckenridge to Palestine. The greatest concentration of heavy snow was in western Denton County and Collin County where 4-6" of snow fell. There were also isolated locations that received 4-6" of snow in Parker, Grayson, Fannin, Hunt, and Emory counties. The overall impacts from the sleet and snow were minimal but there were the usual impacts to transportation in the region when the snow froze on area roads that night; especially on elevated roadways, bridges, and overpasses.
• February 3-4, 2011
  The second winter storm of the week brought heavy snow to most of the eastern and northeastern counties of north Texas. However, much of the area received at least some snow. The heaviest snowfall totals were measured in the far northeastern counties where 6-9" of snow was reported. North Texas was still crippled from the prolonged cold spell that had arrived earlier in the week, and therefore the impacts from this snow event were minimal.
• January 31 - February 1, 2011
  The first week of February 2011 was plagued with two winter weather events and persistent cold temperatures. The first winter storm began late on January 31st and ended during the morning hours of February 1st. A strong cold front blew through the region ushering in very cold air ahead of an approaching upper level system. Before the snow began, periods of rain, freezing rain, and sleet provided a sheet of ice underneath the snow. At times, thundersleet was observed. The highest snowfall totals fell across the northwestern counties of the CWA where 5-8" of snow was reported. Elsewhere, up to 3/4" of ice and 2" of sleet were reported in some counties. The combination of winter precipitation types resulted in hazardous conditions across much of the region. To make things worse, the cold air stayed in place for the next 3-4 days and another winter storm affected the region a few days later on the 3rd-4th. Schools and businesses were shut down for days and rolling blackouts were needed on the 2nd to account for the extreme demand on the state's electricity grids. The winter storm also affected airports across north Texas, and the economic toll from the winter storms and cold air was large due to the fact that this was the week leading up to Superbowl 45 in Arlington. In Erath County, one man died from exposure to the cold temperatures on the 1st.
• January 9, 2011
  Three to seven inches of snow fell across the northeastern portions of north Texas in a region primarily east of Interstate 35 and north of Interstate 30. The highest totals occurred in Lamar, Delta, Hopkins, and Hunt County. The main impact of the heavy snow was numerous traffic accidents across the area. There was one indirect fatality in Collin County when a vehicle skidded into oncoming traffic due to the icy roadways. This accident took the life of a 21 year old male. Snow fell over the northern sections of north Texas from the late morning of the 5th to the early morning hours of the 6th. Between 4-5 inches accumulation were reported from Gainesville to Paris ; and from McKinney to Greenville to Cooper. Elsewhere, 1-3 inches were the rule.  
• March 20-21, 2010
  The last snow event of the memorable winter season of 2009-2010 occurred on the night of March 20th. The highest storm total snowfall was 8 inches in Collin County where a narrow band of heavy snow persisted through much of the night. The band of heavy snow set up along a line from southeastern Cooke County and southwestern Grayson County into Collin, Rockwall, and Kaufman counties. Many areas which surrounded the heavy band received between 1" and 5" of snow. There were many accidents across the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex which resulted in several injuries and 2 fatalities.
• February 23, 2010
  An upper level disturbance moved through north Texas with the best lift south of Interstate 20. The precipitation initially began as rain, but as colder temperatures filtered into the region, the rain transitioned to snow. An average of 2 to 5 inches fell across the southern portions of the NWS Fort Worth County Warning Area. However, several small bands formed across the region where 3 to 6 inches was observed. The heaviest snow band formed over Anderson County where a storm total of 6 inches fell near Palestine. Surface temperatures hovered at or just above freezing and helped with the overall impacts from the winter storm. There were several minor accidents and one major accident which resulted in one fatality due to the slushy driving conditions. There were also minor power outages reported throughout the region.
• February 11-12, 2010
  A record snowfall fell across north Texas beginning the early morning hours of February 11th and continuing until the early morning hours of the 12th. Four climate data records for snow at DFW Airport were broken during this event including the highest 24-hour snowfall total. A total of 12.5" of snow was reported by the DFW weather observer. The heaviest snow fell across an area from Emory to DFW to southwest Jack County. The highest snowfall total measured was 14.4" in northwest Tarrant County. This snow storm caused major tree damage and resulted in over 500,000 power outages in north Texas. Some residents were without power for up to 4 days after the event. Many power outages were caused by tree limbs breaking and falling on power lines. Fallen tree limbs also caused problems on area roadways and damage to vehicles and homes. The damage caused by falling trees and to powerlines accounted for most of the monetary damage estimate in the region. The weight of the snow also resulted in the collapse of several metal carports and a few roof collapses. School closings, early releases, and delays were common on both days, and the same applied to numerous government offices and businesses. Also impacted were roadways where the prolonged snowfall event and the weight of the snow caused damage and resulted in pot holes in numerous counties. The roadways themselves remained slushy or clear throughout the event, and most traffic incidents reported were due to vehicles sliding off the roads due to the slickness caused by the slush. However, 1 vehicle fatality was reported and a few more injuries from vehicle accidents were reported. Several hundred flights were canceled at area airports.
• December 24, 2009
  A powerful upper level system dipped into north Texas bringing near blizzard conditions to the northwest portions of north Texas. Wind gusts up to 50 mph were reported during the afternoon hours across much of the western half of north Texas. Most of the snowfall fell west of a line from Bonham to Waco to Lampasas. The highest snowfall totals of 9" were reported in Montague and Jack County. During the winter weather event, numerous people across the area had to be rescued from their cars or had their cars towed after sliding off the road. Travelers along HWY 287 in Montague County and I-20 in Eastland County became stranded and many spent the night in their vehicles. After the snowfall ended in the evening hours, the water on the roads froze resulting in icy conditions and hazardous travel conditions on Christmas Eve night and Christmas morning. Several more accidents occurred on the icy roads and numerous cars spun out and were abandoned for the night. Five people were killed by accidents due to the ice. Four died on Christmas Eve and one died a few days later on a patch of ice that remained in a shaded area.
• January 5, 2009
  A vigorous upper level system moved over freezing air at the surface, producing rain which froze on contact as it struck trees, fences, and power lines. Around 48,000 people were temporarily without power. Record high temperatures the previous week helped significant icing from occurring on roadways. Only minor travel disruptions were reported over the northwestern half of north Texas.
• March 6, 2008
  As much as nine inches of snow fell across the county. There were about a hundred car wrecks due to icy roads. A band of heavy snow moved across north Texas during the early morning hours, dropping anywhere from just a trace to nine inches. Another area of snow developed across the area that evening as the upper low moved across Texas. The greatest snow totals were recorded in Decatur, Gainesville, and Sherman.  
• January 17, 2007
  Between one and three-inches of snow fell across the metroplex. About a quarter of the flights departing from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport were cancelled due to the weather. Tarrant County reported around 100 wrecks due to the slick driving conditions. One person was struck and killed on the Interstate 20 bridge over Interstate 35-W as they were helping the victim of another crash. A police officer and another person were also injured in this accident. Interstate 20 from Hemphill Street to Forest Hill Drive was closed due to slick road conditions. Cold air at the surface combined with shortwave energy aloft brought another round of winter weather to much of North Texas. 
• November 30, 2006
  A mixture of freezing rain, snow, and sleet fell across the metroplex, causing 2,700 power outages across the area. Hundreds of accidents were reported as well, with several hundred flights cancelled at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.A strong upper level system and associated Arctic cold front created conditions favorable for the production of freezing rain, sleet, and snow over much of North Texas. 
• February 18, 2006
  Light precipitation fell as temperatures hovered around freezing for much of the weekend. Dozens of accidents related to the icy conditions were reported in several counties. There were numerous injuries and at least 5 fatalities indirectly related to the winter weather. The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport cancelled approximately 100 flights on Saturday alone. 
• December 7-8, 2005
  A winter storm produced up to a quarter-inch of ice and up to three-inches of snow across portions of north Texas. The weather severely impacted travel conditions. Several hundred accidents were reported across the region. The Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport cancelled 500 flights due to the weather.
• December 22, 2004
  A mixture of snow and sleet spread across North Central Texas during the early morning and daytime hours, affecting virtually all of North Central Texas. Snow and sleet accumulations ranged from a trace in the southeast up to 3 inches in Eastland and Erath counties. The biggest problem was delays in airline flights in the DFW area, and reports of over 500 traffic accidents due to ice and snow packed roads, bridges, and overpasses. 
• February 14, 2004
  An upper level storm system moved across North Central Texas late Friday night February 13th, and during the day Saturday February 14th, producing measurable snow across all but extreme southeast parts of North Texas. Snow began falling Friday night across the southwest parts of North Texas, then spread northeast across the rest of the region late Friday night and early Saturday morning. The snow ended over southwest parts of the region Saturday morning, and across the northeast early Saturday evening. Heavy snow of 4 to 5.5 inches fell on the 14th, from Montague and Wise counties eastward as far as Lamar and Delta counties, and south into northern Tarrant, northern Dallas, and northern Hunt counties. 1 to 3 inches of snow fell across the rest of North Texas, except for a small strip southeast of a Palestine to Hearne line, where only a trace was reported.

   

• February 24-25, 2003 
  Up to 5 inches of sleet and snow fell north of Dallas-Fort Worth, while up to 1 inch of ice accumulated from Killeen, to Waco, to Palestine. The sleet and snow caused major travel disruptions while the ice resulted in widespread power outages. Damage was around 15 million dollars.
• December 25, 2000 - January 5, 2001 - several inches of freezing rain caused widespread and extensive damage to trees and power lines in far north and northeast Texas. Heavy snow over northwest Texas paralyzed portions of Interstate 20.  Numerous traffic accidents resulted from the hazardous driving conditions.
• December 22-24, 1998 –  a combination of freezing drizzle, freezing rain, sleet, and snow moved over all of north Texas. Six deaths resulted, and over 2000 traffic accidents were reported. The conditions forced the cancellation of over 400 flights from Dallas Fort Worth Airport.
• January 6, 1997 – Between 4-6 inches fell over a narrow band from Hamilton to Cleburne and Hillsboro, and from Emory to Mount Vernon, including Sulphur Springs and Mineola.
• January 12-13, 1985 – While not a north Texas snow event, this one deserves mention. Snowfall above four inches fell over a large area of southwest and south central Texas, generally southwest of a line through Midland and Austin, and north of a line through Eagle Pass and Gonzales. Between 8-14 inches fell from the Hill country to San Antonio, and as far south as Eagle Pass.
• December 15-16, 1983 – A narrow band of 4-6 inches fell along a line from Weatherford to Denton to Greenville and Paris. Another band of 4-8 inches occurred from Wills Point to Tyler and Gilmer.
• January 13, 1982 – One of the great north Texas snowfalls in the 20^th century. Between 6-10 inches fell in a band from Hamilton to Hillsboro to Tyler, with Clifton and Itasca reporting 15 inches for the event. At least four inches fell south of a line through Abilene-Dublin-Corsicana-Longview, and north of a line through San Angelo-San Saba-Marlin-Jacksonville. Only a trace fell in the Dallas/Fort Worth and Temple areas with this event.
• February 17, 1978 – The last in a series of five snow events that began in mid-January also had the greatest totals. Between 4-8 inches fell from Throckmorton to Gainesville, and north of a line through Dublin, Cleburne, Terrell, and Sulphur Springs.
• January 30, 1977 – Almost all of north Texas picked up at least two inches of snow with this event. Between 4-6 inches were reported south of the Red River, and north of a line through Eastland, Hillsboro, Fairfield, and Tyler.
• November 13-14, 1976 – Widespread 4-6 inch snow fell over much of the northern and western sections of north Texas. The area covered was north of a line through Coleman, Hamilton, Fort Worth, Bonham, and Clarksville. Lampasas also reported five inches of snow with this event.
• January 15-16, 1964 – Another of the biggest events for north Texas. Accumulations above four inches were reported from stations east of a Muenster-Eastland-Goldthwaite line, and west of a Burnett-Temple-Mexia-Canton-Clarksville line. Between 8-12 inches were reported in a broad band from Hamilton to Granbury to McKinney. This was one the Dallas/Fort Worth area’s biggest snowfalls.
• January 27-28, 1961 – There was widespread 1-3 inch accumulation over much of north Texas with this event, but a small area of 4-6 inches was reported from Dublin to Mineral Wells to Bridgeport, and from Hico to Cleburne to Waxahachie to Kaufman.
• January 17-18, 1956 – Freezing rain and sleet gradually changed to snow in this event, with widespread 3-5 inch totals over much of the northern half of north Texas. Between 4-6 accumulations were reported east of a line from Sherman to Cleburne, and north of a line from Cleburne to Rockwall to Paris.
• January 22, 1940 – Almost all areas of north Texas saw at least two inches of snow with this event. Between 4-6 inches were reported in the counties along the Red River, and over a most of the area south of a line through Eastland, Dallas, and Sulphur Springs. The area north of a Lampasas, Cameron, Crockett line also reported at least four-inch accumulations.
• November 22, 1937 – Between 4-8 inches fell in bands over a large area of central north Texas. One band occurred from Eastland to Fort Worth, while another occurred from Hamilton to Hillsboro to Kaufman. A broad area of 4-8 inch accumulations occurred from Copperas Cove to Marlin to Palestine, including the Waco and Temple areas.
• December 20-21, 1929 - Heavy snow fell over much of central Texas the 20th-21st. Accumulations above four inches occurred south of a line from Emory to Cleburne to Brownwood, south as far as the Hill country, San Antonio, and Houston. Hillsboro reported 26 inches, and Clifton 24 inches, but these totals seem high (they match the melted rainfall amount, and snow was reported as the unmelted equivalent that fell as snow using a 10-1 ratio, rather than the actual accumulation on the ground). It is unclear how much of the other reported totals were over-estimated this way, but it appears likely that 12-16 inches fell in a wide band from Junction to Hillsboro to Longview.The event began with a strong cold front on the 17th. Morning lows reached the teens over much of the area on the 19th. An overrunning pattern apparently developed overnight the 19th-20th, with the cold air deep enough for snow as far south as the southern sections of the Hill Country, to San Antonio and Houston. Record cold resulted over the snow pack the morning of the 22nd, including Junction (-11), Llano (-7), and Lampasas (-7).
• November 20-21, 1929 - Sleet and snow fell overnight the 20th-21st over the north central and northeast sections. Some of it melted as it fell, but 1-2 inches accumulated over much of the area from Henrietta, Bridgeport, and Fort Worth, east to Louisiana. Many stations in the south central and east central areas reported trace amounts.
• February, 1929 - The month was abnormally unsettled, with freezing rain, sleet and snow the 1st, 8th, and 20th. These were significant glaze events, producing considerable damage to "telephone and telegraph lines" (TCCS). The monthly snow totals generally small, except for 4-8 inches north of Abilene and west of Wichita Falls, and at Sherman and Paris along the Red River.
•  December 24-25, 1926 (White Christmas) - A cold front on the 23rd brought sharply cooler temperatures to the area on the 24th. Freezing rain, sleet and snow were reported at Fort Worth the morning of the 24th. Snow began around midnight Christmas morning, and continued through 700 AM. A broad band of 2-6 inch accumulations were reported from Brownwood to Dallas to Paris. This was the only White Christmas of the 20th century, although the song romanticizing it wasn't written until 1942.
• January 20-24, 1926 - A cold wave January 20-21 brought freezing weather as far as the Gulf coast (TCCS). Thunder, freezing rain, sleet, and snow occurred behind the front overnight the 20th-21st over a wide area. The observer at Bowie noted that ice did considerable damage to trees and telephone lines, and remained on the ground for five days. The subsequent warm advection pattern brought a round of snow the 23rd-24th. The snow was heavy over the western and south central sections of north Texas, although it is unclear how much actually accumulated. Between 4-8 inches were reported in many areas, with 8-13 inches reported over the area from San Angelo to Goldthwaite to Hillsboro, and Haskell to Quanah (although some may have melted as it fell).
• January 17-18, 1925 - Freezing rain, sleet and snow fell January 17-18. Snow accumulations were heavy in the west and northwest parts of north Texas, with 10-20 inches between Haskell and Wichita Falls. In the DFW area, freezing rain and sleet did minor damage to shrubs (Dallas obs record).
• December 18-22, 1924 - A strong cold front early on December 18 brought sharply colder readings, contrasting with the above normal temperatures the first part of the month. At Fort Worth, the low of 7 degrees on the 19th and 8 degrees on the 20th were records for the date. Temperatures remained below freezing from the evening of the 18th through the morning of the 22^nd.
• March 12-13, 1924 - Between 4-8 inches of snow fell March 12-13 over the area north of a line from Abilene to Dallas to Sulphur Springs. The greatest amounts were at Bridgeport (10.5 inches) and Honey Grove (12.5 inches).
• February 25, 1924 - Sleet and snow were widespread February 25, but it is unclear how much of the reported fall actually accumulated. At Dallas, 5.5 inches fell during the day, but only an inch was on the ground at 700 PM. Much of the reported total in the west (4-8 inches) probably stayed on the ground, but a good deal of the total in the central sections (8-12 inches) probably melted as it fell. Sleet was reported at Goldthwaite, Groesbeck, Eastland, Lampasas, Temple, and Tyler 8S with this event (TCCS).
• February 3-5, 1923 - Sleet and snow were reported at many stations the 3rd-5th, accumulating to 4-6 inches in a band from San Angelo to Eastland to Henrietta, and from Junction to Hewitt to Longview. Seven inches were reported at Eastland and Tyler 8S, and Paint Rock (Concho county, about 30 miles east of San Angelo) reported ten inches.
• January 21-22, 1923 - Generous rainfall fell with a cold front the 21st-22nd. Between 2-4 inches were common over the north central and northeast sections, and 4-8 inches fell from Sulphur Spring to Texarkana. Mount Pleasant reported 9.3 inches for this event. The end of the event saw sleet and snow fall over the north central and northeast sections, with 4-6 inches reported at Bowie, Bridgeport, Greenville, Bonham, Honey Grove, and Paris.
• January 19-25, 1922 - A cold front on the 18th produced spotty light frozen precipitation; at Fort Worth light freezing rain and sleet were reported briefly the morning of the 19th and 20th. More widespread freezing rain and sleet occurred the evening of the 23rd through the morning of the 25th at many northern stations (TCCS). At Fort Worth, ice accumulated to ½ inch, while at Dallas travel was described as "difficult" (obs record). Area-wide, precipitation totals were mostly between a half to one inch.
• January 12-13, 1921 - A cold front early on the 11^th brought sharply colder air to the area. A mixture of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow began on the 12^th as the cold air deepened, continuing through early on the 13^th. Sleet and snow accumulations between 2-4 inches were common north of an Abilene-Weatherford-Dallas-Clarksville line, with 4-8 inches reported from Graham to Vernon to Haskell (to Graham). Some of the amounts may represent the unmelted precipitation equivalent.
• January 21-22, 1920 - On the 21st-22nd, freezing rain and sleet followed a strong cold front that moved through the area the evening of the 20th, ending a five day spell of mild weather (highs in the 60s and 70s). The Dallas observation record noted: "Norther struck about 800 PM 20th and temperature fell from 71 (degrees) to 32 (degrees) by 1000 AM 21st. Rain froze after falling and covered trees, grass and telegraph and telephone wires with ice. The ice remained on the trees, etc. until late afternoon of the 22nd. Some traction wires broke between Sherman and Denison; all interurban and railroad traffic delayed by bad weather. No ice observed on the ground." At Fort Worth, precipitation was noted almost continuously from 700 AM on the 21st through late on the 23rd; freezing rain and sleet was noted from noon to 800 PM on the 21st, and from 100 PM to 500 PM on the 22nd. Ice was reported as a 1/4 to ½ inch thick. Light snow fell the morning of the 24th, but with only trace amounts.
• January 15th-16th, 1919 - A cold front early on the 14th set the stage for the snow event the 15th-16th. While temperatures only fell into the 30s, an overrunning pattern brought widespread precipitation the 15th-16th. There were widespread 1-2 inch amounts over all but the northwest sections of north Texas. Over the west and southwest areas, much of the precipitation fell as snow, with 10-20 inches occurring from San Angelo and Junction northeast as far as Cleburne. Dublin and Stephenville reported 18 inch accumulations, while Hamilton reported 22 inches. Little or no snow was reported over the northern, eastern, or south central sections of north Texas.
• January 10-12 and 21-22, 1918 - Two strong January cold waves brought widespread below zero temperatures, and 3-6 inch snows. The cold killed tender vegetation over much of the state, and caused considerable loss of livestock. The first event began with a cold front on the 8th. A cold rain fell at Fort Worth during the day on the 10th, with a wind shift to the northwest late in the day. Snow began falling the evening of the 10th, ending during the early morning hours of the 11th. Windy conditions accompanied the snow, causing blizzard conditions in some areas. At Dallas and Fort Worth the wind gusted to 38 MPH. Based on the daily (melted) rainfall totals, and the monthly snowfall amounts, a band of 3-6 inch snow probably fell south of a Bonham to Cleburne to Coleman, and north of a Marble Falls to Waco to Palestine. Two inches of snow were reported at Fort Worth, and six inches at Dallas. Another band of 3-6 inch snow fell northwest of a Haskell-Wichita Falls line. The lows the morning of the 11th and 12th were near zero in many sections; at Fort Worth, the low of 4 degrees the morning of the 11th was a record for the date, while the 4 degree low the morning of the 12 was exceeded only in 1912 (1 degree). The second snow event began with a strong cold front on the 19th. Snow fell over the west and north sections the morning of the 21st, with 4-6 inches accumulating south of a Wichita Falls-Haskell line, and north of an Abilene-Fort Worth-Paris line. Lows the morning of the 22nd were again in the single digits over north Texas. At Fort Worth, the low of 6 degrees the morning 22nd was a record for the date.
• January 13-16, 1917- A strong cold front on the 12th ushered in a four-day period of cold temperatures and wintry precipitation. Temperatures fell below freezing at Fort Worth at 100 AM on the 13th, and did not get back above 32 degrees until 900 AM on the 17th (104 hours). At Waco, temperatures recovered back to 32 degrees on the 15th and 16th, but temperatures were at or below freezing the better part of four days 13th-17th. Between 3-7 inches of snow fell over much of the north and western sections the 14th-15th. Snow began at Fort Worth mid-morning on the 14th, with six inches on the ground at 700 PM. Snow continued until early morning on the 15th, with near eight inches reported at both Fort Worth and Weatherford. Between 3-7 inches were reported elsewhere north of a line through San Saba and Corsicana. At Waco, the precipitation fell as sleet, accumulating to 1/4 inch by the morning of the 15th; additional sleet and freezing rain fell intermittently on the 16th, causing the observer at Waco to remark "ice all over timber" (cooperative records).
• January 13-16, 1917 - A strong cold front on the 12th ushered in a four-day period of cold temperatures and wintry precipitation. Temperatures fell below freezing at Fort Worth at 100 AM on the 13th, and did not get back above 32 degrees until 900 AM on the 17th (104 hours). At Waco, temperatures recovered back to 32 degrees on the 15th and 16th, but temperatures were at or below freezing the better part of four days 13th-17th. Between 3-7 inches of snow fell over much of the north and western sections the 14th-15th. Snow began at Fort Worth mid-morning on the 14th, with six inches on the ground at 700 PM. Snow continued until early morning on the 15th, with near eight inches reported at both Fort Worth and Weatherford. Between 3-7 inches were reported elsewhere north of a line through San Saba and Corsicana. At Waco, the precipitation fell as sleet, accumulating to 1/4 inch by the morning of the 15th; additional sleet and freezing rain fell intermittently on the 16th, causing the observer at Waco to remark "ice all over timber" (cooperative records). Temperatures warmed above freezing at most places on the 17th, but snow remained on the ground at Fort Worth until the 19th. Sleet was also reported on the 22nd-23rd, but with only trace amounts.
• March 8-9, 1915 - Between 4-8 inches of snow were widespread March 8-9 over the area southwest of an Abilene-Temple line, extending into the Hill country. San Saba reported almost ten inches with this event. Between 1-3 inches fell elsewhere over the western sections of north Texas.
• January 17th, 23rd-24th, 1915 - The Texas Climate and Crop Summary reported widespread ice, sleet, and snow the 23rd-24th, but an examination of the daily precipitation totals suggest that not all the monthly snowfall totals came with this event. Fort Worth reported a brief flurry around midday on the 17th and the morning of the 24th, while Dallas reported light snow only the morning of the 24th (obs record). The coldest minimums of the month at Gatesville, Lampasas, Mexia, and San Saba came the morning of the 18th, suggesting that snow accumulated over the southern part of north Texas on the 17th. The best guess is that 1-2 inches accumulated south of a Longview-Corsicana-San Saba line with the event on the 17th, and generally less than an inch occurred over north Texas with the event the 23rd-24th. Amounts were heavier over the Hill Country with the last event, however; Fredericksburg and Junction reported eight inches of snow for the month, and the precipitation totals suggest that 4-6 inches of snow accumulated the 23rd-24th.
• January 6-8, 1913 - A strong cold front January 5 brought freezing rain, sleet, and snow to many of the northern reporting stations the 6th-7th. There were 1-2 accumulations at Archer City, Dallas, Dublin, Graham, Granbury 5SW, Haskell, and Henrietta, and nearly an inch at Fort Worth and Weatherford. The coolest readings of the month (and winter) followed the 7th-8th, with the coldest temperatures over the snow cover
• December 15, 1911 - Between 2-6 inch of snow fell in a band from Graham to Bowie on December 15, 1911. Three inches of snow was reported at Archer City, two at Wichita Falls and Grapevine, and one at Weatherford. It is unclear if all the snow accumulated on the ground; these were the unmelted totals. Several other locations in west and north Texas reported trace amounts, including Abilene, Fort Worth, Dallas, and Sherman.
• February 16-19, 1910 - The last of three snow events the winter of 1909-1910 began with a strong cold front overnight February 15th-16th. At Fort Worth, temperatures dropped from 64 degrees at midnight (the 16th) to 25 degrees at 700 AM, and 20 degrees by noon, with a north wind 20-30 MPH. Light sleet and snow occurred briefly behind the front, but snow overnight the 16th-17th brought 4-6 inch accumulations over parts of the east and central sections of north Texas (including 6.5 inches at Jewett, 6.0 inches at Kaufman and Tyler, and 5.5 inches at Dallas and Waxahachie). The coldest temperatures of the month were generally the 17th-18th, with the colder readings over the snow cover (ranging from -1 degrees at Waxahachie, to 18 degrees at Weatherford, where little or no snow fell). At Fort Worth, the morning low of 11 degrees on the 17th was a record for the date. Temperatures warmed above freezing on the 19th.
• January 3-7, 1910 - The second of three snow events the winter of 1909-1910 began with a strong cold front on the 3rd. Freezing rain and sleet was reported at Fort Worth early on the 4th, but changed to rain as temperatures warmed above freezing after 700 AM. A secondary surge of cold air early on the 5th was accompanied by another round of sleet and snow all day on the 5th. At Fort Worth, sleet changed to snow around 900 AM, accumulating to five inches by 400 PM. The snow band was fairly narrow, extending from Dublin (3.5 inches) to Granbury (4.2 inches) to Weatherford (5.0 inches) to Grapevine (7.0 inches) to Bonham (8.0 inches). At Dallas and Waco, the precipitation fell mostly as sleet, with accumulations generally less than an inch. The coldest temperatures of the month followed the 6th and 7th.
• December 18-20, 1909 - This was the first of three snow events the winter of 1909-1910. The event began with a cold front December 17th, with sleet and snow the morning of the 18th (1-2 inch accumulations at Dallas and Fort Worth, and trace amounts at Waco). Snow occurred again overnight the 18th-19th, with an additional 1-2 inch accumulations at Dallas, Fort Worth and Waco. Between 4-6 inches of snow were reported at Albany, Graham, Henrietta, Bowie, Decatur, Gainesville, Greenville, and Sulphur Springs. Another band of 4-6 inch snow occurred from Mexia to Jewett to Crockett (although some of this may have melted as it fell). The far west, south central and rest of east central parts of north Texas, however received less than two inches.
• January 8th-9th/21st-23rd, 1906 - Sleet and snow fell with two winter weather events in January, 1906. The first event began after a cold front moved through north Texas on the 7th. At Fort Worth, three inches accumulated the morning of the 10th with an apparent warm frontal pattern, but the liquid equivalents elsewhere suggest that this was probably the maximum snow depth with the first event. The second event began with a strong cold front the morning of the 21st. Thunder and snow occurred at Fort Worth around midday on the 21st, but only slightly more than a trace accumulation was recorded. Liquid equivalents over the eastern portions of north Texas, however, were between 1-2 inches, suggesting that at a major portion of the snowfall totals in the east came with this event. Waco recorded an inch of snow the morning of the 22nd.
• February 15-16, 1903 - Sleet and snow fell with a cold wave February 15th-16th. Between 2-4 inches of snow fell over much of the northern half of north Texas, with 4-6 inches reported from Dallas to Paris, and along the Red River. The coldest temperatures were the mornings of the 16th and 17th and were damaging to plants and livestock. At Fort Worth, the low of 12 degrees the morning of the 16th was a record for the date.
• February 11th-13th, 1899 - A remarkable series of cold waves affected north Texas the first part of the month. At Fort Worth, temperatures were below freezing for almost ten straight days (4th-13th), excepting only ten hours on the 8th. The coldest readings came the morning of the 12th, with below-zero values over all but the extreme southeast part of north Texas. At Fort Worth, the low of minus 8 degrees is the all-time low temperature record. The low readings came with an inch of snow on the ground, left over from the 1-2 inches that fell on the 9th. The Arctic cold affected much of the nation east of the Rockies, and stands as one of the great national cold spells. Over 100 fatalities were blamed on the cold (although 24 were due to an avalanche in Colorado); in Texas, 15 deaths were attributed to the cold wave. Over the middle Atlantic states, the cold was accompanied by a severe snowstorm.
• December 9th-11th, 1898 - Overnight the 8th-9th, widespread snow fell over the north Texas. Between 2-4 inches were widespread, with a 4-6 inch band over Tarrant and Dallas counties. Another 4-8 inch band occurred from Colorado City to Abilene to near Graham, and from Lampasas to Palestine to Longview, and in the Hill country from Rock Springs to New Braunfels. The greatest amount reported was ten inches at Albany. A cold wave followed, with temperatures in the teens over east and south-central north Texas, and single digits over west and north-central north Texas. At Fort Worth, the low the morning of the 10th (11 degrees) was a record for the date.
• January and February, 1895 - In January, monthly snow accumulations between 6-12 inches were common from Abilene to Dallas and Wichita Falls to Sherman; the southern and eastern sections of north Texas generally reported 2-3 inches of snow for the month. Most of it fell at the end of the month, probably around the 28th. February was extremely cold and dry, a pattern apparently begun during the latter part of January. Compared to official records, this is one of the five coldest February in north central Texas (the others are 1899, 1905, 1929, and 1978). The cold was widespread over the central and eastern part of the nation. Blizzard conditions prevailed over north Texas the 6th-9th, with 2-4 inch snow accumulations. The 12th-15th saw a remarkably heavy snowfall along the gulf coast, with Houston reporting twenty inches of snow.
• January 23-24, 1894 - A cold wave struck on the 23rd, and was accompanied by sleet, snow, and high (30-40 MPH) wind; the blizzard conditions froze stock in west Texas. Snow amounts were generally less than one inch. The coldest temperatures for the month were the mornings of the 24th and 25th, with freezing weather over the entire state. In south Texas, the freeze damaged or killed fruit and vegetables.
• January 14-15, 1888 - A severe cold wave prevailed over the central U.S. the 14th-15th. At Abilene, frontal passage was around 1000 AM on the 14th, and by 1000 PM, the temperature was two below zero; the minimum the morning of the 15th was minus five degrees. The front passed through Galveston at 100 AM on the 15th, so a midday passage on the 14th in north central Texas seems reasonable. Ice and snow occurred over a wide area behind the front; Mesquite reported four inches of snow for the month. This was the third January in a row with a severe cold wave.
• December 23-24, 1887 - On the 23rd-24th, a severe snow and ice storm struck parts of east central Texas. At Palestine, freezing rain on the 23rd downed trees and telegraph lines; the rain changed to snow early on the 24th and continued through late morning. Nine inches of snow accumulated at Palestine, while 6-8 inches accumulated at Tyler and Jefferson. A dusting was also noted at Austin. The snow was reported as melting quickly the afternoon of the 24th (MWR).
• December 15-21, 1887- Two episodes of snow occurred over north Texas the latter half of the month. On the 15th, 4-6 inches of snow blanketed Abilene, San Angelo, and Cisco; at Fort Worth, it snowed all afternoon, but melted as it fell. A cold wave followed on the 20th, with temperatures in the teens on the 21st.
• January 7-13, 1886 - One of the coldest January's on record (others include 1885, 1930, 1940, 1977, and 1978). A severe cold wave the 7th-13th was partly responsible for the well-below normal average. At Palestine, the temperature dropped to zero degrees the morning of the 8th, the coldest on record up to that time. Temperatures were probably below freezing for the better part of 5-6 days; at Palestine "ice from 3-6 inches thick formed on lakes and ponds". Ice formed in Galveston Bay on the 10th, and on the 12th, six inches of snow fell at Galveston. Snow was also reported at San Antonio, and much livestock was lost in south Texas. The cold was widespread over the central and eastern part of the country, causing great losses to the Florida citrus industry (MWR).
• February 2-4, 1883 - A severe cold wave struck the 2nd-4th. According to a press clipping quoted in Monthly Weather Review, the temperature at Dallas on the 3rd "fell to 3 degrees below zero, rose to 7 degrees above zero at noon, but fell to zero at night. The country is covered with snow and ice; all trains are out of time, and business is nearly suspended" Denison reported a temperature of 4 degrees at 300 PM on the 3rd. Livestock was killed in the hill country and San Antonio area by the cold wave. The cold was accompanied by blizzard conditions through the central part of the country, with a "severe snow-storm" reported as far south as Austin. (MWR).
• December 25-26, 1879 - A severe cold wave struck around Christmas, dropping the temperature to 9 degrees at Pilot Point and Graham, 10 degrees at Denison, 24 degrees at Galveston, and 27 degrees at Brownsville. At Melissa, the weather at mid-day Christmas Eve was described as "heavy north wind, with snow and sleet, freezing as it fell; chickens were frozen fast to limbs of trees; ice formed on (stock) tanks to the depth of three inches, and the snow formed a crust so firm and hard that a horse's hoof made no impression". Much livestock was lost in south Texas due to the cold (MWR).