Austin weather: TxDOT preps roadways for upcoming arctic blast

The arctic blast and the possibility of snow set to come to Central Texas has cold weather preparation underway for residents, school districts, and city officials.

How is TxDOT preparing for winter weather?

What they're saying:

TxDOT got a head start on Friday by placing brine in heavily trafficked areas.

"It helps prevent the accumulation of ice on our roadways. But the weather is unpredictable in Central Texas and in very low temperatures, we may still see some ice accumulate. And we have on hand magnesium chloride, which our crews use to help melt ice and snow as well," says TxDOT spokesperson Kellen Mohrmann.

TxDOT says there is a plan underway if the arctic blast brings snowfall to the city.

"We have five snowplows in the Austin district. We acquired two of them last year. Those are new cars that we've added. We've been steadily increasing our stockpiles and supplies over time, especially since 2021," says Mohrmann.

The agency also says it has motor graders to clear the roadways and ask drivers to steer clear of bridges and overpasses.

TxDOT says if you must travel make sure to check drivetexas.org for the latest on road conditions.

Local perspective:

"I kind of just thought back to 2021. I think when the big freeze came, everything shut down and it was definitely scary. And I know we’ve prepared more for it. But with all the cold weather that Texas isn't really used to, it's just it's tough to know what's going to happen and how it will be," says Austin resident Ansh Alluru.

The freezing temperatures are renewing fears of Winter Storm Uri in 2021. The storm left Texans without power and heat for days in freezing temperatures after ERCOT said the power grid failed. More than 200 people died as a result.

"We'll see how Texas takes it. I know it's scary for a lot of people thinking back to a few years ago. But we just have to weather it out, I guess, no pun intended, and see how it goes," says Alluru.

The Source: Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Tan Radford

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