Winter Storm in Texas, December 25 to 27, 2000

A strong upper level disturbance translated into the southern Rockies on the 25th and across West Texas on the 26th. A shallow cold air mass was in place over the Southern Plains well ahead of this system. Widespread precipitation developed over the region as the system approached as warm and moist air was drawn over the shallow cold air near the surface. Freezing rain produced a layer of glaze on exposed surfaces that was one quarter to three quarters of an inch thick. The freezing rain became mixed with sleet and snow during the early morning hours on the 26th and eventually changed to snow over most of the area shortly before daybreak on the 26th. The snow continued into the early morning hours of the 27th as the upper low moved across the Permian Basin. Eight to twelve inches of snow fell across the South Plains and extreme southern Panhandle with up to sixteen inches reported in the extreme southwestern Panhandle. Two to four inches of snow were reported across the Rolling Plains. This very heavy snow fell on top of the thick layer of ice resulting in a crippling impact to the region. Most flights into and out of the Lubbock International Airport were canceled for the better part of four days. Many roads were impassable and a number of vehicles were stranded in deep snow. Many traffic accidents were reported with at least two fatalities occurring as a result. Many businesses, including those in the South Plains Mall in Lubbock, were closed for two to three days due to the weather. Thousands of power poles and power lines were downed resulting in power outages across the region and at least $1 million in damage; most of these outages only lasted a few hours but some lasted up to nine days in Lynn County. The storm also interrupted mail service for up to three days in some locations.