A massive winter storm is predicted to hit northern Texas later this week, potentially bringing up to 6 inches of snow to Dallas just before a significant college football game.

“Several regions in northern Texas, especially the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, will likely experience some form of wintry weather,” stated the National Weather Service. “With colder temperatures already present, a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain is expected across the Southern Plains, which may create hazardous travel conditions starting late Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.”

A winter storm watch is currently in place for portions of North Texas, particularly along and north of I-20, where accumulations of 3 to 6 inches of snow are anticipated on Thursday, according to the weather service.

The impending storm might deliver over a year’s worth of snow for Dallas, which has an average annual snowfall (including sleet) of just 1.6 inches. “The upcoming storm is expected to produce at least two to three times that amount, from Thursday through Friday,” remarked AccuWeather meteorologist Emma Belsher in an online post.

Dallas snowfall could be among the top 5 recorded

“If Dallas receives 6 inches of snow, it would rank as one of the top five snowfalls in history,” stated Dan DePodwin, senior director of forecasting operations at AccuWeather.

This week’s storm could mark the largest snowstorm since February 11-12, 2010, when Dallas saw 12.5 inches of snow, according to AccuWeather.

Weather conditions for Cotton Bowl event

The national college football semifinal is set to take place at Dallas’ Cotton Bowl on Friday night. Unfortunately, the period from Thursday into early Friday is expected to be chaotic throughout Central and North Texas, with sleet, freezing rain, and snow all occurring alongside near-freezing temperatures, as reported by meteorologist Ryan Maue on X.

The weather service noted that the storm will likely move out by midday Friday, but disruptions may persist through Saturday morning as temperatures gradually rise into the 40s and 50s.

Getting to the game could be challenging. However, the weather is not expected to impact the game itself since AT&T Stadium features a retractable roof.

The game featuring the Texas Longhorns (13-2) against the Ohio State Buckeyes (12-2) is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.