Ice Storm in Texas, January 7 to 8, 1997

During the overnight hours on the 7th and the early morning hours of the 8th, the upper level storm that had been nearly stationary over the southwestern U.S. for several days, finally moved across Texas. Ahead of the storm, strong southerly winds above the surface brought warmer air into North Texas. This layer of above freezing temperatures aloft caused the ensuing precipitation to fall in the form of freezing rain and sleet. Accumulations of ice were heaviest in the south central counties where up to an inch of glaze accumulated on trees and power lines. Widespread power outages occurred in Bell, Falls, Limestone, and southern Mclennan Counties. The precipitation changed back to light snow before it ended late on the 8th, as cold air spread back into the area behind the exitting storm system.Freezing rain during the night and early morning hours produced up to one inch of ice on trees and power wires across the southern half of the county. Widespread power outages and travel problems occurred due to heavy icing.