At a Glance
- The North Texas winter storm has left roads covered in water, slush, snow, and ice, creating unpredictable driving conditions.
- Bedford and Fort Worth crews are prioritizing intersections, bridges, and emergency routes, but many lane miles remain untreated.
- Local residents report over 400 stranded drivers, 200 accidents, and nearly 100 weather-related hazards since the storm began on Friday.
- Why it matters: Drivers must stay alert for refreezing conditions that could persist for the next two days, and they can report hazards to city hotlines.
The latest winter storm in North Texas has turned roads into a patchwork of water, slush, snow, and ice. As the sun melted ice during the afternoon, the residual moisture that did not dry out is likely to refreeze during the night, creating slick surfaces that can catch drivers off guard. Residents in Bedford and Fort Worth have already faced hazardous conditions, and city crews are scrambling to keep roads safe.
Weather Conditions
The storm began on Friday and has left a mixture of precipitation across the region. The sun’s brief warmth on Tuesday melted some ice, but the lingering moisture is prone to refreezing in the late-night hours. This cycle of melt and freeze can create a slippery “black ice” layer that is invisible to drivers.
- Temperature swings: Daytime highs above freezing followed by nighttime lows below zero.
- Precipitation mix: Snow, sleet, and ice combined with standing water.
- Road surface: Water and slush can freeze into patches of ice.
Community Impact
Bedford residents are already feeling the effects of the storm. Pluto Burton, a local, explained how the weather forced a change in his routine: “We were running a little low on groceries and we heard Kroger was open, so we decided to brace the weather and walk down there.”
The city’s public works director, Layne Cline, highlighted the challenges small suburban cities face: “We have one crew trying to keep up. We take calls in priority. We focus on intersections, inclines, and any other curves that might be of issue. Residential streets and everything else, the cities can’t maintain accessing.”
Fort Worth’s transportation officials echoed these concerns. Lara Ingram of Fort Worth Transportation and Public Works stated, “They start with our priority list of hospital entrances, bridges, critical hills, and locations around the city where emergency responders will need to be making passes for response.” She added, “But with this level of ice, sleet and snow that has stuck to the ground, that is not going to make sure that all 8,600 lane miles get treated.”
City Response Metrics
| Metric | Bedford | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Stranded drivers helped | N/A | 400 |
| Accidents responded to | N/A | 200 |
| Weather-related hazards | N/A | 100 |
Both cities have emphasized that even if a road is not on their immediate priority list, they will respond to reports from residents.
Ongoing Risks
City officials warn that the slick icy conditions are likely to continue for the next two days. Cline noted, “Everything is, as you can see, if it’s wet, it’s going to refreeze again. So, these slick icy conditions are still going to continue potentially for the next two days.”
Drivers are urged to:
- Check weather updates before heading out.
- Reduce speed and increase following distance.
- Keep headlights on in low-visibility conditions.
- Report hazardous roads to the appropriate city hotline.
How to Stay Safe
- Bedford: Call 311 or 817-392-1234 to report a dangerous road.
- Fort Worth: Use the city’s online winter weather updates or call the local emergency line.
- General: Keep a winter kit in the vehicle, including blankets, a flashlight, and a small shovel.
In the days ahead, residents and commuters should remain vigilant. The combination of melting ice and nighttime refreezing can produce hazardous driving conditions that persist. By staying informed and reporting problems promptly, the community can help reduce accidents and keep roads safer.
Key Takeaways
- The North Texas winter storm has created a complex mix of water, slush, snow, and ice.
- Bedford and Fort Worth crews are prioritizing critical intersections and emergency routes but many lane miles remain untreated.
- Over 400 stranded drivers and 200 accidents have been reported since the storm began.
- Residents can report hazards to city hotlines, and both cities emphasize ongoing support for non-priority roads.
- The slick conditions are expected to continue for the next two days.
By staying alert and following city guidance, drivers can navigate the icy roads more safely.
