Dallas Faces Freezing Temperatures and Icy Roads Amid Arctic Blast

DALLAS — As temperatures in Dallas dropped below freezing, city officials are warning residents about potential hazardous road conditions due to patchy ice formation following a rainfall that has slowed to a stop. The quick transition to sub-zero temperatures poses risks particularly on bridges and overpasses.

“Because it has been raining, I do believe there will be some very slick spots once it reaches under 32 degrees. So for those areas, we will be placing sand on them to help dry quicker and be less slick,” said Tina Richardson, Assistant Director of the Street Operations Division.

City road crews have deployed 40 sand trucks, with an additional 40 on standby. Crews began their shifts at midnight, working 12-hour rotations to monitor and address troublesome areas. Richardson indicated that conditions were too wet for crews to apply liquid brine, a preventative measure used earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has also maintained continuous operations. “TxDOT crews have been out since Friday pretreating the roads, laying down that initial layer of brine. We finished that up over the weekend. Yesterday and today we have been spot treating, catching those bridges and overpasses primarily where ice may accumulate,” said spokesperson Tony Hartzel.

TxDOT is monitoring conditions from the Dallas District Traffic Management Center, which operates 750 traffic cameras across seven counties. Crews have been stationed around the clock to respond to areas where ice formation is likely.

According to reports, some drivers in Denton County expressed surprise at the sudden change in weather. Paul Alexander, who was driving back to the Wichita Falls area, commented, “Roads aren’t bad. Wet in places. I ran into rain on I-20 coming here. Other than that, it’s good.”

Alexander also noted strong winds and light flurries occurring in the region, contributing to an icy atmosphere. Visibility conditions have varied, especially near Lewisville Lake, where fog was reported as a result of cold air mixing with warmer water.

Officials have cautioned all drivers to remain off the roads if possible and to drive cautiously if they must venture out. They advised having a full tank of gas and adjusting speed according to the conditions. Fort Worth firefighters are also increasing their resources in anticipation of the freezing weather, stocking up on extra blankets and flares to manage roadside emergencies.

As for the nature of the ice, local experts warn that black ice is particularly dangerous. It forms without apparent bubbles and blends into the surface, making it difficult to detect. It often appears on roads with less light and areas that cool quickly, such as bridges and overpasses.

In the event of encountering black ice, drivers are instructed to refrain from aggressive steering or braking. Instead, they should remain calm and allow their vehicle to pass over the icy section, gently steering in the direction of any slides.

Weather forecasts indicate that the region will remain below freezing at least until Friday, making it crucial for residents and travelers to stay informed about changing conditions.