TxDOT crews throughout the Abilene District and Brownwood Districts have been monitoring and treating roadways for icy conditions throughout the afternoon. Staff will be on duty around the clock until the winter storm passes.
All counties in the Abilene District have received either sleet or rain/freezing rain, and several areas are beginning to see precipitation in the Brownwood District, including Brown and Coleman Counties. Although crews are treating roadways and bridges, the low temperatures will cause any amount of moisture to freeze quickly. Sleet and patchy ice have been reported throughout the I-20 corridor and outlying areas, with accumulations of frozen precipitation expected overnight.
The National Weather Service reports that the moisture received today has been light to moderate, but heavier precipitation is expected this evening. Areas to the west and southwest (including Brownwood, Brady and San Saba) could see significant impact from the storm according to current forecasts.
Travel is strongly discouraged, especially tonight as the temperature continues to fall.Those who cannot avoid driving should remember these tips:
- *Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
*Do not use the cruise control. Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow or ice.
*Watch carefully for personnel and equipment treating roadways, and stay at least 200 feet back if you are behind a snow plow. Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas as they tend to freeze first.
*Carry extra warm coats, gloves and boots in case you get stranded. If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes.
*Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction then straighten your vehicle.
For statewide road conditions call 800-452-9292 or visit www.drivetexas.org. Winter weather driving tips are available at http://www.txdot.gov/driver/weather/winter-driving.html.
