Winter Weather Hits North Texas
Like most people living in and around Dallas-Fort Worth, I was glued to the local news this morning as we woke up to a icy glaze over all our city as much of North Texas was plunged into travel chaos. A huge storm made its way across the metroplex overnight bringing with it rain, sleet, snow and a windchill factor of zero. Yes, zero. As a Personal Injury Attorney with 20 years experience helping victims of auto accidents, I am acutely aware of how dangerous our roadways can be at the best of times, so I am particularly concerned about the safety of everyone who must venture out and about today.
As tends to happen when we are hit by these extremely adverse weather conditions, much of DFW was brought to a standstill. By 5am all the main school districts announced they would be closed for the day, DFW airport has announced 300 flights have been canceled and DART announced the temporary closure of its light-rail system. So far the Trinity Railway Express is continuing to run, but commuters are warned to expect severe delays. As if that wasn't enough, more that 1000 people are suffering power outages as a direct result of the storm. Fort Worth water mains appear to be unaffected by the weather but that might change if the frigid temperatures remain throughout the rest of the week.
Fortunately, Super Bowl planners were wise enough to take every eventuality into consideration and have pledged to keep major roads open for the weeklong festivities. Over 800 employees of Texas Department of Transportation and North Texas Tollway Authority have been tasked with paroling the Metroplex and aggressively treating freeways and streets with de-icing material. Many workers have actually been brought in from other areas for the purpose of supporting TxDOT's contingency plan. "We have enough material to get us through a several-day event, and we can get more if needed," said Brian Barth, deputy engineer for TxDOT's Fort Worth district.
The general consensus is that if you can avoid traveling out today, then stay at home and enjoy the warm and dry. But if you absolutely must get on the roads, please be careful. For the latest updates on road conditions I suggest you consult TxDOT's Road Conditions website. Be safe out there!
