North Texas Braces for Winter Storm

North Texas is getting ready for a big winter storm coming this Friday night. The weather is expected to bring freezing temperatures and icy roads. To get ready, crews are already working hard to make sure the roads are safe. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the North Texas Tollway Authority have started treating major roads with a special saltwater solution called brine. This helps stop ice from sticking to the roads when the cold air arrives. They are focusing on bridges and overpasses, but the cold will affect many other areas too. Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing for about 100 hours. TxDOT is working around the clock. They are making brine at night so that crews can apply it during the day. Over 200 trucks and other vehicles are being moved around the region to help. Digital signs are warning drivers about the dangerous conditions.Officials are asking people to stay home if they can. If you must drive, be very careful. Cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington are also getting ready. They are checking their vehicles, preparing equipment, and loading trucks with a mix of sand and salt. In Dallas, the Transportation and Public Works Department has teams ready to check bridges, overpasses, and other risky spots. They have 50 vehicles ready to handle any icy roads. Arlington is preparing its crews for 12-hour shifts. They have four snow plows ready if needed. The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office is keeping an eye on the roads and will respond if necessary. The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office will have all available deputies working the roads, along with courtesy patrol units to help drivers.