Prepare Now: Arctic Cold Front Coming to East Texas

(East Texas) OK, East Texas, a surge of bitterly cold Arctic air will be plunging from Canada and settling in across the Lone Star State late Friday into Saturday. Old Man Winter is about to give us a true taste of what winter should be like. Let's hope it'll be nothing like the storm of 2021.

Arctic Air Set To Move Into East Texas

I'll be honest, I'm not a big fan of the cold, but I can tolerate it for a day or two. At this point, I'm still acclimated to the cold because of my recent trip to Iceland. However, if it's going to be more than a day or two, I just might be searching out the nearest 78-degree city and moving to it!

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Timing of the Winter Weather

With this round of cold weather, East Texas should expect bitterly cold temperatures along with a chance of a wintry mix of precipitation. The rain will begin on Friday ahead of the Arctic cold front. KLTV 7 meteorologists predict, at this time, for the rain to continue when the front arrives, and it could eventually change over to freezing rain and sleet Friday night into Saturday morning.

Saturday, we could see more sleet and the possibility of snow by Saturday afternoon. The chance of all forms of winter weather will continue into Sunday and then clear out by late Sunday morning.

READ MORE --> Here Are The Snowiest Cities In Texas

Remembering The 4 P’s

Much of the Piney Woods will be below freezing for more than 48 hours beginning Friday night. During this time, it is a great reminder to remember the 4 P's:

• People
• Pets
• Pipes
• Plants

Temperature Forecast Breakdown

Be sure to check on your neighbors, especially elderly ones, to make sure they have a heated home. Friday night's low is expected to be 24 degrees with a high of 28 on Saturday, 22 on Sunday morning with a high of 31, and 17 on Monday morning before reaching a high of 37 on Monday afternoon.

Bring outdoor pets indoors, or at least let them in your garage or storage building where it's a bit warmer and out of the elements. If that isn't possible, give them a good straw bed to lie in out of the wind. Around your house, make sure those exposed outdoor pipes are fully wrapped and that any tender vegetation is covered up and protected.

While accumulations are possible with this upcoming winter storm, it is too early to predict the amount that may cover East Texas.

Winter Storm Safety Tips

Ahead of the storm, grocery stores are going to be busy as people stock up on essentials before the storm, so they don't have to get out in the elements. I don't blame them at all! Remember to give those space heaters plenty of clearance and never use an extension cord or overload an outlet.

Stay warm and stay safe, East Texas.