Could East Texas Really Experience ‘Thundersnow’ This Week?

An Arctic mass has moved across the Lone Star State, and it's not leaving anytime soon.

A storm system is expected to bring the chance of wintry precipitation across much of north, central, northeast, and parts of east Texas. Snow, freezing rain, and sleet are possible...but, even THUNDERSNOW!?

Let's circle back to that in just a bit. First, a look at what this storm is expected to bring throughout Texas.

Just How Much Snow Are We Talking?

Anyone who lives in the Texas Panhandle, Permian Basin, Concho Valley, D/FW Metro, and the ArkLaTex could see some significant snow accumulations Wednesday through Thursday.

I've seen quite a few weather models estimate 4 to 8 inches of snow as a rather common amount. The Global Environmental Multiscale Model (GEM), produced in Canada, forecasts nearly a foot of snow between Waco and Dallas, and upwards of 16 inches of snow by Friday morning in the ArkLaTex.

The Global Forecast System (GFS), a product of the National Weather Service, is quite a bit more conservative with its snowfall estimates. Still, it shows snowfall totals of nearly half a foot between Tyler and Texarkana.

Keep in mind, these models are constantly updating and those totals may have changed by the time you access the link.

The Wintry Mix Dividing Line

Currently (and this may change a few times over the next 24-36 hours), the dividing line of wintry mix precipitation and just cold rain runs from the Austin area through Bryan/College Station to the Lufkin/Nacogdoches area.

Will there be any significant ice/snow accumulation in these areas? It's still a little too early to say. It's best to stay up to date and to be proactive with your preparations.

What About the Thundersnow?

Let's go back to the GEM weather model for late Thursday night and early Friday morning. You'll notice (if the model outlook hasn't changed) pink-shaded areas scattered throughout East Texas. This represents the possibility of thunderstorms/thundershowers.

Some of those pink pockets are embedded in areas of blue and/or red. That would seem to indicate that there is at least the possibility of 'thundersnow', or maybe 'thundersleet' in those areas.

Should We Invite Jim Cantore?

The GEM weather model is the only one that I could find with the possibility of thundersnow, so I would say the chances of a lightning flash during these snow squalls are slim.

By the way, if you've never seen Cantore's childlike reaction to 'thundersnow'...take a look.