With the first winter storm passing through Texas, it is important to remind residents that being caught during a winter storm, whether attempting to travel or staying at home, can be challenging.
Keeping updated on weather changes and the key words that send up red flags should be a key warning, particularly when “winter storm warning” or “blizzard warning” are used on the news.
Winter storm warnings indicate that possible lifethreatening conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Blizzard warnings point to gusts of 35 miles per house or greater, considerable snow and reduced visibility.
Other key words are “wind chill temperature (which can decrease body temperature loss rapidly); “winter storm outlook” or conditions possible over the next two to five days; “winter storm watch” or conditions withing 36 to 48 hours; or “winter weather advisory or conditions expected to cause significant inconveniences or hazards.
Driving on icy roads is difficult for anybody, but even more difficult for those without much winter weather experience.
According to AAA, the south doesn’t see that many winter storms and it is important when driving to reduce speed, increase following distance at three time what is normal and avoid sudden breaking.
Sudden attempts to stop on ice will shift the weight of the vehicle and can cause loss of control or spin out and be very dangerous. AAA also recommends an emergency travel kit which includes essential items such as a phone charger, flashlight, ice scraper, snow shovel, blankets, sand/cat litter for traction, jumper cables, first-aid kit, and water/snacks.
Texans traveling during the winter know full well of possible sudden changes in weather and it can be vital to have resources available on hand. If possible, avoiding any travel is advised during winter storms.
Depending on location and when a storm is expected to hit, conditions can vary dramatically. People should check their local road conditions and closures through resources like the Texas Department of Transportation’s DriveTexas website. Drivers should also give as much time as possible to get to their location — allowing for more time than normally needed.
Drivers should also be prepped for one of the worst-case scenarios — getting stuck. AAA says to have a least a half-tank of fuel before you leave to ensure the vehicle can be warmed by running the engine, making sure tailpipes are free from obstruction. “You don’t want to run out of fuel. It’s one of the top roadside emergencies we see during winter weather here,” Daniel Armbruster, senior public affairs specialist at AAA Texas, said. “It also prevents your fuel line from freezing up.”
Armbruster said winter conditions can delay response times for emergency workers, so it’s important to have everything needed to survive a prolonged breakdown in the cold. He recommends an emergency kit. Staying informed on weather updates is important. Forecasts and other information can be found by listening to local radio stations or by visiting puc.texas.gov/storm. When traveling in traveling Texas during winter storms, knowing where warming stations are located can be a lifesaver. Warming stations are temporary shelters, often opened by organizations, churches and cities to provide relief during extreme cold. The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) provides an interactive map online or check with local shelters for real-time information, as they are activated based on temperature and weather conditions. During a winter storm, it is advised to stay indoors, wear layers, and conserve heat by closing off rooms. Alternative heat sources such as fireplaces and space heaters should be done with caution. To prevent water pipes from freezing, winterizing in the fall months is advised, but to prevent pipes from freezing, open cabinets to allow warm air to reach pipes and let faucets drip. freezing.
If power fails, keep refrigerators closed, use battery-powered lights, and run generators outdoors at least 20 feet from windows/ doors and stay warm by eating and drinking noncaffeinated liquids.
People are also advised to stock up on emergency water and food supplies as well as necessary medications if a storm is in the forecast.