A winter storm has left North Texas grappling with icy roads and frigid conditions following a weekend of severe weather. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is advising residents to avoid travel when possible and to exercise caution, particularly on bridges and overpasses where ice can accumulate unexpectedly.
Road conditions across many areas in North Texas are currently treacherous, with a mixture of ice, sleet, and snow covering the ground. The adverse weather is anticipated to persist into late Tuesday morning.
This Monday, many North Texans are returning to work, and road conditions are being closely monitored. The following updates highlight the current situation on North Texas roads:
North Texas Road Conditions – Monday, January 26
4:30 p.m.: Lane closures reported on eastbound I-20 near Fort Worth.
10 a.m.: Increased traffic issues noted on I-30.
9:30 a.m.: Traffic reporter Chip Waggoner urges drivers to reduce speed on highways, warning against unnecessary travel. He reports that most accidents are occurring due to drivers hitting icy patches while traveling too fast.
9 a.m.: Winter storm impacts are evident in Denton County, where FOX 4’s crews are actively monitoring road conditions.
8:35 a.m.: Waggoner warns of a false sense of security on certain road sections, where drivers may encounter unexpected icy patches after feeling safe on treated pavement.
8 a.m.: Aerial views over Dallas show widespread icy conditions.
7:45 a.m.: Waggoner emphasizes the dangers of the current road conditions, advising drivers to make wise choices about their speed and travel necessity.
7:40 a.m.: Overall road conditions in Dallas remain challenging, and residents are encouraged to stay home if possible, as major accidents have been limited so far.
7:10 a.m.: Trouble spots identified on highways I-30 and I-35E.
6 a.m.: State Highway 114 in Grapevine is expected to reopen by 9 a.m. after being closed overnight due to hazardous conditions.
5:40 a.m.: Denton police report assisting drivers stuck in icy conditions, with FOX 4’s crew encountering stranded motorists as well.
5:30 a.m.: Conditions near White Rock Lake continue to be monitored, with crews assessing the situation.
4:45 a.m.: Ongoing road conditions are being tracked across North Texas as temperatures drop further.
4:15 a.m.: Drivers are reminded that if roads are icy, it is safest to stay home. If travel is necessary, allowing extra time to reach destinations and informing someone of travel plans is crucial.
For those who must drive in these conditions, safety officials recommend maintaining a slow speed, increasing the distance between vehicles, and refraining from using cruise control. Ensuring vehicles are properly equipped with gas and emergency supplies is also essential.
Drivers are advised to approach bridges and overpasses with caution, as ice may be present even if it isn’t immediately visible. Additionally, it is important to be on the lookout for downed trees and power lines. In the event of a traffic signal outage, intersections should be treated as four-way stops.
Safety Recommendations
Officials are encouraging residents to prepare by keeping an emergency kit stocked with warm clothing, food, water, and a portable phone charger. Other safety tips include:
- Utilizing a weather radio for live updates and warnings.
- Signing up for local emergency alerts via text or calls.
- Insulating outdoor faucets and pipes.
- Ensuring heating systems are well-maintained.
- Keeping space heaters away from flammable materials and turning them off when unattended.
- Checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
- Stocking up on essential supplies including firewood and medications.
- Regularly checking vehicle maintenance, including battery and tire conditions.
As winter weather continues to impact the region, it remains vital for residents to stay informed and take precautions to ensure their safety.
