Freezing temps, ice likely on Monday
Published 11:50 pm Saturday, February 21, 2015
The Texas Department of Transportation is ready to pre-treat roads with a salt brine solution in Tyler along Interstate 20, Toll 49 and U.S. Highway 259 as a winter weather advisory is in place until 6 p.m. Monday.
“Temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing conditions on Monday,” said KYTX Meteorologist Albert Bruhn. “The winter weather advisory could extend into Tuesday after reevaluating to see how cold temperatures will stay.”
Bruhn said there is a 70 percent chance of precipitation Monday and a 50 percent chance going into the night leading to possible accumulation of ice up to a quarter of an inch.
“It’s moving fairly rapidly,” Bruhn said of the winter storm system headed towards East Texas.
According to the TxDOT, maintenance forces will report to work Sunday evening to monitor roadways and take necessary precautions to keep roads open and passable. They are urging motorists to stay off of the icy roads in the event that conditions develop to the point where driving could become problematic.
“There will be a slight improvement of temperatures on Tuesday,” Bruhn said. “We are expected to get into the mid-30s.”
The AAA Exchange advises drivers that do have to travel during icy conditions:
n Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
n Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
n Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
n Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
n Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
n If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
n Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
n Always look and steer where you want to go.
n Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
For additional information on safety tips visit exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/winter-driving-tips/.
