Main roads improve as ice gradually melts from sun, warmer temperatures

Published 2:35 pm Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Routines for most East Texans started to return to normal late Tuesday and Wednesday as above-freezing temperatures and sunny skies gradually melt what’s left of the ice storm. 

Aside from essential workers, most people were hunkered down at home for multiple days as icy conditions linger following Winter Storm Fern that moved through the region over the weekend. Many schools and businesses made the decision to close Monday – as well as Tuesday – until conditions improve. Commissioners court normally set for Tuesday mornings has been postponed until Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Trash collection has also been pushed back to Thursday in Tyler. Many schools are closed again on Wednesday.

Temperatures will hover below freezing overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning, until mid-morning when an above-freezing temperature of about 41 degrees and sunny conditions are forecast.

The National Weather Service of Shreveport said roads and surfaces iced over would begin to melt late Tuesday with additional melting Wednesday, but it’ll be a slow process.

“As conditions begin to slowly improve, remember that many surfaces will remain icy and slippery until temperatures get comfortably above freezing,” the NWS said.

Tyler PD spokesperson Andy Erbaugh said Tuesday morning roads had improved since Monday with main roads mostly clear. Areas have been in the shade remain icy, he said.

Precinct 4 Constable Josh Joplin said Highway 64 is mostly clear except in shady areas. He said vehicles should drive slowly to navigate the remainder of ice on the roads, especially on bridges. County roads that are less traveled with a lot of shade still have icy areas. More melting will occur as the day goes on, bringing temperatures above freezing. Joplin advises all motorists to use caution on the roads.

Many cities reached historically-low records of freezing temperatures. Tyler’s warmest day this week is expected to be about 47 degrees Thursday, according to NWS. 

As residents were inside their homes, some were without power for multiple hours or days as crews worked to restore outages throughout the region. Cherokee and Rusk counties were especially impacted by outages, and in Smith County, most outages had been restored by Monday. 

Meanwhile, those experiencing homelessness looked for shelter at places like Salvation Army Tyler and other warming centers. Organizations like Hunger For Love volunteered to provide essentials to those in need. 

While many are looking forward to a bit of normalcy in their routines, local officials advised residents to stick it out in order to protect themselves, their neighbors and fellow motorists while not making things harder on local first responders.

“Everyone can tolerate another day with ‘cabin fever,’” state Rep. Jay Dean, R-Longview, wrote on Facebook. “It’s not worth risking your life or the lives of our first responders because you’re tired of being stuck at home.”

TxDOT said there are patches of ice on some areas of the roadways and caution should be used on bridges. Black ice could be present.

Tyler Police Department and Smith County authorities on Sunday and Monday reported multiple stalled vehicles on streets and roads throughout the city and county.

Winona Volunteer Fire Department said on Monday it had responded to multiple crashes, stranded motorists and vehicles that slid off the roadways. 

“… Even though the roads look better and the sun is shining, you may not see the hazard until it is too late,” Winona VFD said.

There is potential for refreezing after ice melts, especially in shady areas where the sun hasn’t beamed down.

Residents should continue to use caution and listen to the advice of local authorities and agencies as remnants of the storm fade away this week. 

A local state of disaster remains in effect for Smith County and the City of Tyler.