The greatest potential for heavy snow will be northwest of Interstate 30. A wintry mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain is more likely southeast of I-30, especially along the I-20 corridor. (Contributed Graphic)

From Staff Reports

Confidence is increasing that East Texas will see some sort of winter precipitation Thursday and Friday, the National Weather Service in Shreveport said.

“There is still too much uncertainty in the forecast for us to get much more specific as far as any accumulation amount” for both snowfall and ice, Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chris Nuttall said during a weather briefing on Monday afternoon. “But those chances are increasing that we’re going to see some kind of winter weather impacts.”

The greatest potential for heavy snow will be northwest of Interstate 30. A wintry mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain is more likely southeast of I-30, especially along the I-20 corridor, Nuttall said.

Temperatures are expected to continue to dip into the teens and 20s throughout the week.

During his briefing, Nuttall cautioned against trying to predict exact timing and accumulation totals, saying the forecast was still too uncertain and depends on where the freezing line ends up. The NWS is estimating precipitation to begin as early as before sunrise Thursday in far western/northwestern Oklahoma and then spread south and east through Friday.

Nuttall said most likely impacts from show should be felt north of I-30, and then a mix of freezing rain, snow and sleet elsewhere in the region.

“That chance is there, so we need to prepare and be ready for it,” he said.

Nuttall noted temperatures will rise during the day on both Thursday and Friday, with temperatures expected to be in the 30s on Thursday and rise above freezing on Friday.

“There will likely be heavier bursts of snow, sleet, freezing rain and/or mix southeast of I-30, which makes forecasting the accumulations extremely uncertain,” Nuttall said, noting if precipitation is falling at a high rate, this can sometimes reduce the potential for icing as the precipitation runs off before it can freeze to a surface.

More work to prep roads

Due to the possibility of winter weather conditions later this week, TxDOT crews were scheduled to place more brine on major roadways and bridges across our nine-county district starting Tuesday.

“Crews will focus on treating the most highly traveled roadways, which include Interstates 20 and 30, along with U.S. Highways, bridges and overpasses across our district,” said Atlanta District Director of Maintenance Jason Dupree. “The brine we put down on Sunday should also still be effective,” he added.

The Atlanta District includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus and Upshur Counties. The Tyler District includes Anderson, Cherokee, Gregg, Henderson, Rusk, Smith, Van Zandt and Wood counties, which have also undergone pre-treatment.

Brine is a solution consisting of salt and water designed to help prevent ice and snow from sticking to surfaces.

If motorists see mobile convoys on the roads, they are encouraged to slow down, keep a safe distance and give crews room to work.

In the event of hazardous conditions on the road due to weather, motorists are urged to stay home if possible. If travel is necessary, drivers are advised to buckle up, stay alert and slow down. You should allow for at least three times more space than usual between you and the vehicle in front of you.

If you have to travel, visit DriveTexas.org or call 1-800-452-9292 for around-the-clock updates on highway conditions.

Winter readiness tips

Save energy

• Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature, like 68 degrees.

• Change your furnace filter every month

• Have your ceiling fans turn clockwise to push heat down

• Close your shades at night and open them during the day

Prepare your home

• Drain and shut off water

• Stow hoses

• Check and clean out gutters

• Inspect the roof

• Check vents and openings

• Prune close-hanging tree branches

• Seal leaks

• Check the furnace

• Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups

• Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power

DPS urges drivers to use caution

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds Texans that extreme cold, freezing rain, ice and snow can pose major hazards to drivers and pedestrians and urges residents to be prepared and exercise caution in those types of conditions.

“Winter weather can be unpredictable, but by making safety a top priority you can help take control,” said Colonel Freeman Martin. “Plan ahead, check road conditions and adjust your driving for the type of roads you’re traveling on. These are all simple things that can make a big impact in making this winter season safer for everyone on the road.”

DPS encourages everyone to take the appropriate safety precautions during winter weather. This includes checking your vehicle’s battery, windshield wipers, tire pressure, tire treads and fluid levels, as well as ensuring door and trunk locks are properly lubricated to prevent them from freezing. Having a well-stocked emergency kit with warm clothes, food, water, cell phone battery/charger and first aid items is also a good idea.

Here are some other tips to help you stay ahead of winter weather:

Road safety

• Monitor local weather broadcasts and check the latest weather conditions from the National Weather Service before you hit the road.

• Avoid traveling when sleet, freezing rain or snow is predicted, and monitor road conditions by visiting Drive Texas or calling (800) 452-9292.

• If you must drive in inclement weather, allow extra time to reach your destination. Share your travel plans with a friend or family member so someone knows the route you’re taking.

• On icy roads, drive slowly and increase the distance between your vehicle and others, as you may need additional room to stop.

• Do not use cruise control.

• Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas.

• Be aware that ice accumulates on bridges and overpasses before drivers may see it on roads, so approach them more slowly in winter weather.

• Watch for downed trees and power lines. If a stop light is out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

Home safety

• Use an all-hazards weather radio for up-to-date warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information.

• Sign up for calls or texts from your local emergency notification system.

• Insulate outside faucets and pipes near outer walls.

• Make sure furnaces, heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves are clean, well-ventilated and in good working condition.

• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from walls and combustible materials, including furniture and bedding. Turn them off when you’re away or sleeping. Also ensure space heaters cannot tip over and there is no damage to the cord.

• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never operate a generator or other fuel-powered device inside a home, garage or other enclosed space. The odorless, colorless gas is deadly and is produced any time a fossil fuel is burned. Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home.

• Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven.

• Check on friends and family members whose health or age may put them at greater risk.

• Stock up on firewood and supplies, including canned goods, bottled water and medication.

Texans are encouraged to stay vigilant, practice caution and remain prepared as winter weather conditions develop.