Texas Ice Storm Leaves Dallas and Denton Roads Fully Iced as TXDOT Urges Drivers to Stay Off Highways
TEXAS — Dangerous winter weather conditions have brought travel across parts of North Texas to a near standstill, as Dallas and Denton report roads completely iced over, prompting urgent warnings from the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) for drivers to stay off highways. Live traffic camera footage from IH-635 near Abrams Road in Dallas shows empty, ice-coated lanes during the early morning hours, underscoring the severity of the situation.
Officials say the widespread icing has made roadways unsafe for travel, with conditions deteriorating rapidly as freezing rain continues to coat pavement.
Highways Appear Abandoned as Ice Takes Over
The scene along IH-635 is striking. Normally busy lanes appear nearly deserted, with visible ice covering large sections of roadway. TXDOT reports that most motorists are heeding warnings to remain off the roads, contributing to what observers describe as “ghost town” conditions across major corridors.
This level of icing dramatically reduces traction, even for vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive, and significantly increases the risk of crashes and multi-vehicle pileups.
TXDOT Issues Strong Travel Warnings
TXDOT has issued repeated advisories urging residents in Dallas and Denton to avoid highway travel entirely until conditions improve. Freezing rain is especially dangerous because ice bonds directly to the roadway surface, creating slick conditions that cannot be safely treated once accumulation becomes widespread.
Key hazards officials are monitoring include:
- Loss of vehicle control on untreated roads
- Bridges and overpasses freezing faster than surface streets
- Emergency response delays due to impassable highways
Transportation crews continue monitoring conditions, but treatment efforts are limited while freezing rain persists.
Why Freezing Rain Is Especially Dangerous
Unlike snow, freezing rain forms a smooth, nearly invisible layer of ice that offers little friction for tires. Even short trips can become life-threatening once roads are fully iced over, particularly during early morning hours when temperatures are lowest.
Meteorologists warn that icing events like this can escalate quickly, leaving little margin for error once road conditions collapse.
What Residents Should Do Now
Authorities strongly recommend staying home unless travel is absolutely necessary. Residents should closely monitor official TXDOT updates and local advisories before attempting any travel.
If driving cannot be avoided, officials urge extreme caution and preparedness, though the safest option remains staying off the roads entirely until temperatures rise or conditions improve.
This ice storm continues to pose a serious risk across North Texas, with Dallas and Denton among the hardest-hit areas at this stage.
For continued weather coverage, road condition updates, and verified impact reports as this situation evolves, stay with NapervilleLocal.com, where we responsibly track significant weather events affecting communities across the country.
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