Major Weekend Storm Echoes Texarkana’s Historic 2000 Ice Storm

Is the major winter storm heading to Texarkana this weekend a prelude of what we experienced 26 years ago on Christmas in the year 2000?

Major Winter Storm This Weekend in Texarkana Predicted to Bring Ice and Snow

I certainly pray it's not. However, when you look at all the different weather models and predictions, it's taking on some of the same characteristics as the ice storm of the century that shut down Texarkana for weeks with no power and downed trees everywhere.

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For those who were around here at that time, the day started normally, the weather was somewhat warmer until the Arctic blast hit with rain turning to freezing rain, sleet, and snow. It was just a matter of a few hours before things went downhill fast with ice accumulating on trees and power lines all around the city.

Downed Trees and Power Lines Crippled and Shut Down Texarkana For Weeks

The heavy ice brought down trees that had been in Texarkana for centuries, taking out power lines and knocking out the electricity. It was the eeriest sound anyone could imagine: transformers blowing, trees popping and falling sounded like loud gunshots.

The worst part is that most of this occurred during the night in complete darkness. You definitely didn't want to be outside for the fear of a tree falling on you or your house.

Huddling to Stay Warm and Stolen Generators in the Texarkana Area

I remember huddling around family members with blankets to stay warm and flashlights and candles for light. The rural areas took an even bigger hit, and it was weeks before power was restored across much of the area.

READ MORE: Wicked Winter Weather Expected This Weekend in Texarkana Area

Grocery stores ran out of food, and generators were brought in for people whose power was down for weeks. Some of the generators were reported stolen, but neighbors who had power welcomed friends and neighbors to their homes to stay warm.

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Hopefully, we all learned something from that ice storm and will be better prepared if it happens again in a few days. Texarkana folks are resilient, and we all recovered on that Christmas night when Old Man Winter paid us a visit we will never forget.

As of January 21, 2026, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for the Texarkana area