North Texas' incoming ice storm forced the national cheer competition in Fort Worth to end early, leaving families scrambling to compete quickly and get home before roads and flights deteriorate.

With ice and extreme cold ahead, Fort Worth officials stress preparation, patience and checking on neighbors as the city activates emergency plans.

This North Texas winter weather guide provides the latest Dallas-Fort Worth snow and sleet totals, NWS timing for Winter Storm Fern and essential tips for protecting pipes and the Texas power grid during the current Extreme Cold Watch.

Winter Storm Fern is descending on North Texas, potentially ruining air travel plans for hundreds. American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and others are waiving change fees.

Fort Worth leaders are urging drivers to prepare for icy conditions and avoid the roads if possible as a winter storm moves into North Texas, bringing the threat of slick streets and hazardous travel.

The outlook for North Texas continues to evolve, but not the threat of a half-inch of ice and potentially widespread power outages.

From rain to ice, North Texans should prepare for a freezing weekend as snow and sleet take aim at the Metroplex.

NBC 5's Chief Meteorologist Rick Mitchell said forecasters expect the storm to bring moderate to heavy accumulations of snow, sleet and ice. Travel is expected to be hazardous, and power outages are possible. Friday will feature an Arctic cold front moving into North Texas. Precipitation will start as cold rain, persisting into the early evening.