North Texas Residents Prepare for Winter Storm Warning, Flight Cancellations, and Road Closures
Residents of North Texas are bracing for a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow starting Monday night and lasting until Thursday morning. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for Denton County and the rest of North Texas through noon Wednesday, with a 60% chance of freezing rain likely before 9 a.m., then freezing rain and sleet likely between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.[0] From 3 p.m. onwards, there is a possibility of freezing rain.[1] Cloudy conditions are expected, with temperatures reaching a high of 30 and wind gusts of up to 20 mph.[2]
Hundreds of flights have been canceled by American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, including nearly 700 in and out of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and nearly 200 out of Dallas Love Field.[3] In addition, school districts have announced closures this week and businesses have adjusted their hours or closed temporarily for the safety of their employees and customers.[0]
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) began pre-treating bridges and overpasses in North Texas with a brine solution on Friday when it was warm and sunny.[4] Austin TxDOT crews also pretreated major roadways Monday morning ahead of the wintry precipitation and cold temperatures.[5]
Ice accumulations from a glazing to one tenth of an inch are possible, with the possibility of power outages, downed power lines, tree damage, and other infrastructure issues.[6] Temperatures will remain at or below freezing until Wednesday, causing dangerous road conditions.[7] Drivers are advised to drive slowly and increase the distance between their vehicle and others, as they may need additional room to stop.[8]
On Wednesday, February 1st, 2023, the National Weather Service is predicting a major shift in precipitation, with an 80% chance of precipitation. There may be some wintery precipitation in the morning, but temperatures are expected to rise above freezing to 38 degrees.[2] Rain is likely to continue into Wednesday night with temperatures reaching a low 32 degrees.[2]
Rain chances are forecasted to decrease by Thursday and temperatures are expected to increase. Fair weather is expected to resume on Friday, leading to a weekend with highs in the low 60s.[9]
Be mindful of the crews that are taking necessary steps to prepare for the winter weather that is coming to our area.[10] If sleet, freezing rain, or snow is forecast, it is advisable to not travel and to keep an eye on road conditions by visiting Drive Texas or calling (800) 452-9292.[7]
0. “These Austin Restaurants, Food Trucks, and Bars Are Adjusting Hours or Closing Because of Winter Storm” Eater Austin, 30 Jan. 2023, https://austin.eater.com/2023/1/30/23578620/austin-winter-storm-january-2023-restaurants-closed-adjusted-hours
1. “Treacherous travel reported in Texas as dangerous ice storm targets 30 million in South this week” Fox Weather , 30 Jan. 2023, https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/ice-storm-threat-dallas-texas-southern-plains
2. “Artic front could bring sleet and ice as Winter Storm Watch issued for Wichita Falls, Texoma; Texoma’s Weather Authority” KFDX – Texomashomepage.com, 30 Jan. 2023, https://www.texomashomepage.com/news/local-news/artic-front-could-bring-sleet-and-ice-as-winter-storm-watch-issued-for-wichita-falls-texoma-texomas-weather-authority/
3. “Winter Storm Warning Issued for North Texas Through Wednesday 9 a.m.” NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, 28 Jan. 2023, https://www.nbcdfw.com/weather/weather-connection/a-series-of-disturbances-will-lead-to-rain-maybe-wintry-weather-next-week/3180374
4. “Dallas Weather: Roads expected to be icy Monday afternoon” FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth, 30 Jan. 2023, https://www.fox4news.com/news/dallas-weather-roads-icy-traffic-conditions
5. “TxDOT Austin pretreating major roadways ahead of wintry weather” KXAN.com, 30 Jan. 2023, https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/txdot-austin-pretreating-major-roadways-ahead-of-wintry-weather
6. “3 Day Winter Storm Warning Issued” San Angelo LIVE!, 30 Jan. 2023, https://sanangelolive.com/news/outdoors/2023-01-30/3-day-winter-storm-warning-issued
7. “Here's what's closed on Tuesday” The Cross Timbers Gazette, 30 Jan. 2023, https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2023/01/30/heres-whats-closed-on-tuesday/
8. “Central Texas weather: Winter storm watch upgraded to warning” FOX 7 Austin, 29 Jan. 2023, https://www.fox7austin.com/weather/weather-forecast-central-texas-winter-storm-watch
9. “Austin weather: Freezing rain, ice possible this week” Austin American-Statesman, 29 Jan. 2023, https://www.statesman.com/story/weather/2023/01/29/austin-weather-freezing-rain-ice-central-texas/69852422007/
10. “TxDOT & Bexar County prepare for icy bridges & overpasses; county breaks out beet-juice mix for first time” KSAT San Antonio, 30 Jan. 2023, https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2023/01/30/txdot-bexar-county-prepare-for-icy-bridges-overpasses-county-breaks-out-beet-juice-mix-for-first-time/
