WINTER READY February 2021 - PREPARING FOR WINTER WEATHER
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WINTER READY February 2021
PREPARING FOR WINTER WEATHER
Since October of last year, the Texas Department of Transportation's Amarillo
District has responded to several winter weather events, treating roadways as
needed. While this week is no exception, the forecast presents a unique challenge.
The National Weather Service in Amarillo says very cold wind chill values are
expected starting Friday through Tuesday morning, Feb. 12 – 16. Two rounds of
Auto Safety Checklist snow are expected with 6 to 9 inches possible over the weekend and into early
next week. Travel is strongly discouraged. As a reminder, TxDOT's priorities for
Use this handy guide to make
snow and ice operations are:
sure your vehicle is in top
winter condition: • Roadways that affect the movement of interstate commerce
• Roadways of high priority locally or regionally
• Ignition • Bridge decks, sharp curves, steep grades, intersections and access points
• Battery • Routes near hospitals, emergency facilities and schools
• Head and tail lights
Safety of the traveling public is TxDOT’s number one priority and crews will
• Brakes
work throughout the weekend and into early next week, monitoring and treating
• Wiper blades
roadways, bridges, and overpasses, as needed. While brine works to minimize
• Antifreeze level ice from bonding to roadways and structures as wintry precipitation begins to fall,
• Fuel and exhaust systems drivers are urged to use extreme caution because of the potential for black ice,
• Heater/Defroster which appears as dry pavement. Ice on bridges and overpasses will continue to
• Tires be a concern in the impacted areas. While driving in inclement weather is strongly
discouraged, if you must travel, please follow these tips:
• Check area weather conditions before starting a trip.
Winter Survival Kit • Winterize vehicles before traveling during adverse weather. Check fuel, tire
Keep the following items in conditions, oil and antifreeze levels. Make sure heater, brakes and windshield
your vehicle: wipers are working properly.
• Carry extra warm coats, gloves, and boots in case you get stranded.
• Flares • Be patient. Your trip time – including short commutes to work – could increase
• Blankets when adverse weather conditions exist. Also, keep to the main roads and
• Warm clothes avoid taking roads that may not have been plowed.
• Shovel and scraper • Use caution when driving over bridges and overpasses, as temperatures can
• Flashlight and batteries be colder on elevated surfaces.
• Candles • Reduce speed and drive with caution. A vehicle needs more distance to stop
• Sterno flame on a slick roadway. Do not apply the brakes suddenly and do not use cruise
• Lighter or matches control, so that you can better maintain control if you encounter slippery roads.
• First-aid kit • Slow down when approaching emergency or maintenance vehicles, especially
• Booster cable when their flashing lights are on. The law requires you to maintain a distance
• Chain/tow strap of at least 200 feet when approaching a snow plow, and never pass on the
• Non-perishable food right. Visibility can also be reduced during winter weather conditions.
• Water
Check road conditions at www.DriveTexas.org or call 800-452-9292
before heading out to avoid encountering potentially hazardous conditions.
As always, for the safety of you, other drivers, and our maintenance crews,
#DontCrowdThePlow.
FOR DRIVERS: PREPARE IMPORTANT NUMBERS
In a life-threatening emergency,
• Before traveling in hazardous weather, drivers should plan their please call 9-1-1.
route and check weather reports at www.DriveTexas.org or by Texas Road Conditions:
calling 800-452-9292. They should be familiar with directions 800-452-9292
ahead of time and let others know their route and expected
New Mexico Road Conditions:
arrival time. 800-432-4269
• Drivers should also check their vehicle’s battery, tires and Oklahoma Road Conditions:
windshield wipers as well as ensure the vehicle has ample fuel 405-425-2385
to account for travel delays.
• Drivers should always use caution when driving on icy or slick
roads. Remember, bridges and overpasses are the first to freeze.
• Drivers should assemble an emergency roadside kit. Travel with
items including a first-aid kit, booster cables, abrasive materials
(sand or cat litter), flashlights, warm clothes, snacks and water.
• Traveling with chains, tow straps, shovels and ice scrapers also
prepares drivers to face winter weather elements.
FOR DRIVERS: PROTECT
• In any situation, drivers can protect themselves by wearing their
seat belts and ensuring everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.
• Drivers should also never attempt to travel when fatigued or
while under the influence of alcohol. Get plenty of rest before
hitting the road. And remember, if you’re planning to drink, find
a sober ride before heading out.
FOR DRIVERS: PREVENT
• Drivers should practice patience and share the road with
others. Build in extra time to reach your destination to account
for travel delays.
• Be sure to reduce your speed, increase your distance between
other vehicles to at least three times the normal following
distance, and drive with caution.
• Remember to keep a safe distance away from snowplows and
other TxDOT vehicles as they work to treat and clear roadways.
• Stay off cruise control. Cruise control can quickly turn into
“lose control” if you hit black ice or other areas that affect your
vehicle’s traction.
• If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer
into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained
traction, then straighten your vehicle.
• Move over a lane to create a safe margin of space when passing
a vehicle on the side of the road with flashing lights, including tow
trucks, disabled vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, emergency
vehicles and TxDOT vehicles.
• And if you don’t have to travel, stay home.
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Amarillo District
FOR MEDIA: TELEVISION PIO CONTACTS
• If possible, requests to participate in live shots during morning TxDOT – Amarillo
shows should be made 24 hours in advance. Sonja Gross
• Please coordinate B-roll opportunities through your TxDOT sonja.gross@txdot.gov
Public Information Officer and understand that in inclement (806) 356-3256
weather, the safety of the traveling public is our maintenance District Profile
crews' first priority. TxDOT – Childress
• Dress appropriately. Make sure your head (and ears) have proper Ginger Wilson
coverage. Gloves, scarves, heavy/long coats and waterproof ginger.wilson@txdot.gov
boots are always a good idea. You may also consider purchasing (940) 937-7288
ice cleats. Wear bright, florescent clothing to be seen. District Profile
FOR MEDIA: RADIO TxDOT – Lubbock
• Phone interviews are always welcomed. Dianah Ascencio
• Consider scheduling your Public Information Officer for community dianah.ascencio@txdot.gov
affairs programming. Your PIO can provide updates on area road (806) 748-4472
conditions, provide winter weather driving tips and much more. District Profile
• Consider running PSAs before, during, and after winter weather
events, reminding drivers to steer clear of TxDOT winter weather OTHER RESOURCES
operations. National Weather Service - Amarillo
FOR MEDIA: NEWSPAPER Amarillo Police Department
Department of Public Safety
• Phone and email interviews are always welcomed.
Potter County Sheriff's Office
• Coordinate photo and video opportunties through your Public Randall County Sheriff's Office
Information Officer.
Amarillo OEM
City of Childress
National Weather Service - Lubbock
Lubbock Police Department
Lubbock County Sheriff's Office
Lubbock OEM
American Red Cross
Storm Prediction Center
Ready.gov
@TxDOT
@TxDOTAmarillo TxDOT
@TxDOTChildress TxDOTAmarillo
@TxDOTLubbock
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Amarillo District
17 Counties
17,848 Sq. Miles
9,467 Lane Miles
374 Employees
Childress District
13 Counties
11,193 Sq. Miles
5,481 Lane Miles
200 Employees
Lubbock District
17 Counties
15,861 Sq. Miles
12,366 Lane Miles
355 Employees
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