Visitors' Guide to Winter Weather in Dallas, Texas

By August, it usually seems as though cooler weather will never return, but Dallas-Fort Worth experiences its share of winter weather. Right now, it is 15 degrees F and weather forecasters accurately predicted the current snowstorms, but there is much more to know about how to deal with winter weather. If you are new to North Texas or simply visiting, here is the info you need to know about our winter weather.

Brain Freeze
Based on my experience, a snowy forecast and winter weather warnings often get ignored or elicit an overreaction. On one end of the spectrum, Texans drive full speed throughout the metroplex despite bad road conditions. At the other end, people rush to the grocery store and load up their shopping carts, leaving empty shelves in their wake. Avoid traveling the streets or shopping unless necessary.

Traffic
Regular rush hour traffic usually spans three hours on a typical weekday, with Fridays and the day before a holiday being the worst. Even moderate winter storms have a major impact on traffic leading to fender benders and traffic jams. Allow plenty of travel time and stock your car with emergency supplies, such as blankets.

Road Crews
TxDOT trucks do not respond to winter weather in the way northerners may expect. It takes a lot for them to deploy crews to apply sand or magnesium chloride to roads. They usually tackle a limited number of areas, generally popular sections of highways and overpasses. In preparation for the Super Bowl and 150,000 expected visitors, TxDOT has additional manpower and sanding material on hand.

Power Outages
Texas deregulated its electricity industry and numerous service providers are responsible for providing electricity. In my experience, the companies generally identify mass outages and address them on their own time, but it never hurts to make sure they are aware of an outage.

If staying in a house, be sure to get the electric company's phone number to report problems. Reliant has a simple automated system where users need only call from the home telephone to report a power outage.

Ultimately, ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, manages the flow of power across the grid and can implement rolling outages to keep the system working smoothly during strong demand, such as during severe weather. I have never received prior notice for these planned outages, but the latest information is available online at ERCOT.com.

Wardrobe
Weather changes quite quickly in Dallas. If you are planning to stay for more than a day or two, consider packing an extra outfit in case the weather heats up.

Weather Forecasts
Various news stations, including FOX 4, ABC 8, and CBS11, provide comprehensive, ongoing coverage of severe weather. Verify the county you are visiting and the nearest highways to make the most of weather reports. Generally speaking, Dallas county includes Dallas, Grand Prairie, Irving, Carrollton and parts of Arlington. Tarrant county includes parts of Arlington and Fort Worth.

Emergency Warming Stations
The American Red Cross and Salvation Army address special needs by providing assistance and warming stations in affected areas. Call 1-800-RED CROSS for additional information about its services. Other organizations, including community centers, usually offer aid as well. Dial 211 for information about local resources.

Sources
"TxDOT Prepared for Ice and Snow", TxDOT