A powerful winter storm developed over parts of the Southern Plains, resulting in one of the most widespread and damaging blizzards to affect western north Texas in decades. Blizzard conditions affected northern Texas for at least 5 to 7 hours, with travel and commerce severely impacted. A surface low pressure center intensified rapidly, leading to severe, blustery winds. Rain began during the early morning hours, but quickly changed to sleet and freezing rain, and then to all snow, as temperatures never rose above freezing. By mid to late morning winds were sustained around 40 mph, with frequent wind gust of 50 to 60+ mph. Snowfall rates approached two inches per hour at times, and the visibilities were frequently less than 100 feet. Numerous accidents were reported, especially given the high volume of traffic the day before Christmas. Most area roadways were shut down for the day into Christmas morning, which included Interstate 44 north of Wichita Falls. Many people were stranded in their cars for several hours, with several abandoning their vehicles. The strong winds, combined with the below freezing temperatures, allowed for wind chill temperatures to drop to near zero. This made it even more dangerous for people that were abandoning their vehicles. Governor Rick Perry mobilized the military to assist the thousands that were stranded in the snow. In addition to the military, hundreds of tractors road up and down the roadways, assisting stranded motorists. By sunset, the snowfall had accumulated up to nine inches, with the highest totals over Wichita and Clay counties.

Blizzard in CLAY, TEXAS
From 24-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 24-DEC-09 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Up to a foot of snow was measured over the entire county, including in the Henrietta area. Snow drifts were at least four feet over some areas. Winds frequently gusted 40 to 50 mph, causing considerable blowing and drifting snow, and greatly reducing visibilities.

Blizzard in WILBARGER, TEXAS
From 24-DEC-09 06:00:00 to 24-DEC-09 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Three to seven inches of snow was estimated over the entire county, with five inches measured near Vernon. Snow drifts were two to four feet over some areas. Winds frequently gusted 40 to 50 mph, causing considerable blowing and drifting snow, and greatly reducing visibilities. The winds also downed nine power poles in Odell. Monetary damages were not available.

Blizzard in WICHITA, TEXAS
From 24-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 24-DEC-09 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Widespread totals of five to eight inches of snow were reported, with some areas receiving a foot of snow. Sheppard Air Force Base measured 7.8 inches, nine inches was measured in Burkburnett, and over ten inches measured in southeast Wichita county. Winds frequently gusted 40 to 50 mph, causing considerable blowing and drifting snow, and greatly reducing visibilities.

Blizzard in FOARD, TEXAS
From 24-DEC-09 04:00:00 to 24-DEC-09 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Snowfall accumulations averaged four to seven inches over the entire county, with six inches measured in Crowell. Winds frequently gusted 40 to 50 mph, causing considerable blowing and drifting snow, and greatly reducing visibilities.

Blizzard in ARCHER, TEXAS
From 24-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 24-DEC-09 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Eight to ten inches of snow was measured over the entire county, including eight inches measured in Dundee and Scotland. Snow drifts were two to four feet over some areas. Winds frequently gusted 40 to 50 mph, causing considerable blowing and drifting snow, and greatly reducing visibilities.

Blizzard in KNOX, TEXAS
From 24-DEC-09 04:00:00 to 24-DEC-09 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Snowfall accumulations averaged four to six inches over the entire county, with four inches measured near Rhineland. Winds frequently gusted 40 to 50 mph, causing considerable blowing and drifting snow, and greatly reducing visibilities.

Blizzard in BAYLOR, TEXAS
From 24-DEC-09 08:00:00 to 24-DEC-09 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Five to eight inches of snow was measured over the entire county, with the highest totals located over the northeast half of the county. Snow drifts were two to four feet over some areas. Winds frequently gusted 40 to 50 mph, causing considerable blowing and drifting snow, and greatly reducing visibilities.

Blizzard in HARDEMAN, TEXAS
From 24-DEC-09 04:00:00 to 24-DEC-09 15:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Four to eight inches of snow was estimated over the entire county, with the highest totals over the eastern half of the county. Six to eight inches was estimated in the Quanah area. Winds frequently gusted 40 to 50 mph, causing considerable blowing and drifting snow, and greatly reducing visibilities.