Freezing precip prompts closings across the region

Sleet and freezing rain that began Monday prompted closings and delays of schools and activities across North Texas.

The Wichita Falls Independent School District announced Monday morning no classes would be held Tuesday. Burkburnett ISD and Vernon College were also among the first schools to announced Tuesday closings. Midwestern State University will be closed through Tuesday and the Wichita County Courthouse also closed.

Several districts across the region cancelled Monday classes.

Commercial flights at Wichita Falls Regional Airport were cancelled Monday and city bus services ceased Monday afternoon. Sheppard Air Force Base closed except for essential personnel through Tuesday.

More:Weather closings and changes

Wichita Falls and North Texas prepare for a wintry week with the season throwing in everything in its arsenal -- ice, snow, sleet, freezing temperatures and cold north winds.

"A long duration event with numerous days of freezing rain and sleet likely will make for potentially dangerous travel conditions on untreated roadways through early this week," the National Weather Service said in a forecast issued early Sunday.

The NWS placed the area in a Winter Storm Watch from 6 a.m. Monday until noon Wednesday.

After a mild Saturday, the coming weather system made its presence known with much colder temperatures in North Texas Sunday. For this region, the NWS predicted a slight chance of snow, freezing rain and sleet on Monday with the likelihood increasing for more of the same Tuesday and Wednesday.

Parts of North Texas could get up to a quarter-inch of ice during the event.

Temperatures dropped below freezing Sunday and are predicted to stay at or below freezing until Wednesday. North wind gusting to 20 mph will make it feel colder.

Temperatures are expected to rise later in the week, setting the stage for rain late Wednesday and Thursday. Sunshine and warmer temperatures should return by Friday.