The Worst Winter Storms In Texas History

When Texans think winter, it’s usually not synonymous with ice storms and snowdrifts. But over the years, the state has seen its share of intense, record-breaking winter weather. As cooler days roll into Texas once again, here’s a look back at five memorable winter storms that brought the Lone Star State to a frigid standstill.

Get our free mobile app

1. The Great Blizzard of 1899: A Historic Freeze Sweeps Texas

One of the coldest events in U.S. history, the Great Blizzard of 1899 slammed into Texas, leaving an unprecedented chill in its wake. Temperatures dipped as low as -23°F in Tulia, shocking a state unaccustomed to such extreme cold. Even Galveston Bay—typically shielded by mild Gulf breezes—froze over, an event so rare it became a defining moment in Texas weather history. Unprepared for these Arctic conditions, Texans struggled against the elements, finding ways to survive without the modern conveniences we rely on today.

2. The 1929 Texas Snowstorm: Amarillo Buried Under 26 Inches

As winter set in during December 1929, a powerful snowstorm swept across Texas, particularly hitting the Panhandle region. Amarillo was buried under 26 inches of snow, and massive drifts piled up across much of the region. This storm left residents stuck in their homes for days, immobilizing travel and devastating ranches as livestock losses mounted. It’s remembered not only for the staggering snowfall but for showing Texans just how wild and unpredictable their winter weather could be.

Get our free mobile app

3. The Thanksgiving Freeze of 1980: A Holiday Surprise

November 1980 brought a holiday surprise no one wanted—the Thanksgiving Freeze, an early-season cold front that dropped temperatures to record lows across the state. In the Panhandle, it hit -4°F, while icy roads and power outages disrupted Thanksgiving travel plans for millions. The freeze caused widespread chaos and served as a chilly reminder that Texas winters can be as unpredictable as its summers.

4. The Christmas Blizzard of 2004: A White Christmas in South Texas

Christmas in South Texas usually means sunshine, not snowfall. But in December 2004, a Christmas Eve blizzard blanketed areas near Corpus Christi with up to a foot of snow. Many South Texans had never seen significant snowfall, let alone on Christmas Eve, making it an unforgettable white Christmas. Snow-covered beaches and palm trees provided an unusual holiday landscape that left a lasting memory of a rare, magical Texas winter.

Get our free mobile app

5. The Texas Winter Storm of 2021: Cold, Dark, and Deadly

The Texas Winter Storm of February 2021 was one for the history books—and not in a good way. As temperatures dropped to record lows, the state’s power grid failed catastrophically, leaving millions without heat, light, or water. Texans faced life-threatening conditions, huddling in freezing homes and relying on blankets and makeshift heaters for warmth. The storm’s aftermath sparked widespread outrage and led to significant policy reforms aimed at improving the grid’s reliability. With an estimated $195 billion in damages, it’s a stark reminder of Texas’s vulnerability to extreme winter weather.

These historical winter storms show us just how wild Texas weather can be, even as the colder months approach. So, if you’re pulling out your winter clothes and layering up, remember: in Texas, winter might just surprise you with an icy blast when you least expect it.