Frigid temperatures had people bundling up and snow and ice turned local streets into skating rinks, which resulted in schools and several businesses being closed throughout the area.

This area had already been feeling the effects of a cold front with moved through the area several days ago, but that was compounded by a low-pressure system that arrived last night, said Eric Platt, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Midland.

“An upper-level storm system moved out of the Rockies and brought all this snow and ice with it,” Platt said.

Much of West Texas was hit by the storm system, which deposited between 1 and 3 inches of snow and ice on several area cities.

The most immediate effect of the storm system was felt by area motorists, who were forced to contend with slick, snow-covered roads this morning. Conditions caused officials to first postpone, then cancel classes at Howard College and Big Spring, Coahoma and Forsan schools.

“The roads were just too icy,” Forsan ISD Superintendent Randy Johnson said. “We were very concerned about getting buses into and out of some of the side roads in our area.”

In addition, icy conditions forced Howard College to cancel its annual luminaria lighting ceremony, scheduled for tonight.

Road conditions proved to be hazardous for most motorists as area law enforcement officials were kept busy investigating accidents through the morning hours. The most significant accident occurred on Interstate 20, where an overturned tractor-trailer rig forced the temporary closure of a three-mile section of the highway near the west entrance to Big Spring. The highway was expected to be reopened by late morning.

No serious injuries have been reported from the various accidents as of 9 a.m., officials announced.

At least one governmental agency was reducing its services because of the weather. Howard County Judge Mark Barr said county offices were open but operating with reduced staff levels.

Big Spring city offices were open but officials were eyeing road conditions before deciding whether to disperse trash collection crews today. A final decision will be made by early afternoon, officials said.

Platt said there was a slight chance for more snow or ice today and temperatures are expected to remain below freezing until Saturday, when a high of 47 is forecast.

Sunday calls for temperatures in the mid-50s, he added. No precipitation is forecast for either Saturday or Sunday.

Contact Staff Writer Steve Reagan at 263-7331 ext. 234 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it