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DALLAS - After briefly ending the subfreezing streak, it remains bitterly cold this morning. Any lingering moisture has iced over, resulting in patches of black ice on exposed surfaces. Residents should exercise extra caution.
Roads remain slick in many areas. The safest option is to stay off the roads until more significant melting occurs this afternoon.
With melting adding moisture to the air and light winds on Tuesday night, there is a risk of fog as temperatures drop back below freezing. The risk is highest north and west of the Metroplex. Freezing fog is particularly dangerous, as it can create a thin layer of ice on any surface it touches. This may spread across North Texas after 2 a.m. Wednesday.
Live Traffic Map
Road Conditions - Tuesday, Jan. 25
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DFW Road Conditions: Why you should wait to drive today
In case you need up to tell you again- do not drive fast on the roads today! Here is an example of what happens if you do.
10:30 a.m.: DFW road conditions
The roads are still a little rough. According to FOX 4 traffic reporter Chip Waggoner, transition areas are the worst in this period of flux.
You have the highways and the toll roads that have been sanded and graded, but you also have on and off ramps and the secondary streets that remain untouched.
"It’s pretty dangerous and treacherous there. That’s why I think one more day of staying home is going to be worth your while," he said.
As temperatures get above freezing on Tuesday afternoon, some of the ice should begin to melt.
8:50 a.m.: Road conditions around Fort Worth
8:40 a.m.: Trouble on I-30 continues
8:20 a.m.: Road conditions in Collin County
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Plano continues monitoring live road conditions
Ice and freezing temperatures have caused dozens of accidents. FOX 4's Tisia Muzinga has a look at conditions in Plano and what is being done to keep people safe.
8 a.m.: Trouble on I-30
6:40 a.m.: Icy conditions
5:30 a.m.: I-35E at Hwy. 66
5:15 a.m.: Stay home if you can
Track Icy Road Conditions
If the roads are icy, the best thing you can do is stay home. If you must drive in inclement weather, allow additional time to reach your destination and share your travel plans with a friend or family member, so someone knows the route you’re taking.
- Live Map: Check real-time North Texas road conditions and closures.
- Safety: Read our winter driving guide.
If you must drive in inclement weather, allow additional time to reach your destination and share your travel plans with a friend or family member, so someone knows the route you’re taking.
When driving on icy roads, drive slowly and increase the distance between your vehicle and others when stopping. Do not use cruise control during poor driving conditions and ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas before you head out.
Safety officials tell Texans to be aware and approach bridges and overpasses slowly as ice can accumulate before drivers are able to see it on the roads. Drivers should also watch for downed trees and power lines. If a stoplight is out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
Safe driving protocols
What you can do:
Safety officials ask Texans to keep a well-stocked emergency kit with warm clothes, food, water, cell phone battery/charger and first aid items.
Here are some other tips to help you stay ahead of winter weather:
- 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 and make sure to turn them off when you're away or sleeping. (Also ensure that space heaters cannot tip over and that the cord is not damaged)
- 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.
- Ensure your vehicle's safety by making sure doors and trunk locks are properly lubricated to prevent them from freezing. Also, check your vehicle’s battery, windshield wipers, tire pressure and tire tread.
Texas DPS also recommends individuals to check their vehicle's fluid levels and have a well-stocked emergency kit that includes warm clothes, food, water, cell phone battery/charger and first aid items.
Have a way to get updates
Watch live coverage on your phone
With severe winter weather on the way this weekend, you should have a way to get important updates if the power goes out.
The FOX LOCAL app will allow you to stay up to date with livestreams, the latest forecasts, news stories and weather alerts in real time, all from your mobile phone or tablet.
- Stay connected with FOX 4 News. For winter storm coverage -- Download Now.
Get county emergency alerts
You can also sign up to get alerts sent to your phone from your county’s emergency office.
The Source: Information in this article comes from TxDOT, Traffic reporter Chip Waggoner, and previous FOX 4 coverage.