Canton, Texas – A dangerous ice storm is expected to impact Van Zandt County beginning late Friday night, bringing conditions capable of causing widespread power outages and nearly impossible travel through Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, an Ice Storm Warning is in effect from midnight tonight until noon Sunday for all of Van Zandt County. Ice accumulations between one-half and three-quarters of an inch are expected, levels that can heavily damage trees, down power lines, and create prolonged utility disruptions.
Regional impacts will be severe as freezing rain develops overnight and continues through the weekend. Roads are expected to become extremely slick, especially bridges, overpasses, and elevated roadways. Travel could quickly become nearly impossible along major routes including Interstate 20, U.S. Highway 80, State Highway 19, and State Highway 64 as ice builds.
Communities including Canton, Van, Wills Point, Edgewood, and Grand Saline should prepare for long-lasting power outages. Emergency officials urge residents to assemble emergency kits with food, water, flashlights, blankets, and extra batteries, and to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors before conditions worsen.
Residents are strongly encouraged to delay all non-essential travel. Those who must drive should use extreme caution and carry winter survival supplies. The Ice Storm Warning remains in effect through Sunday midday, and additional advisories or extensions are possible if icing intensifies. Road conditions can be monitored at DriveTexas.org as this high-impact storm unfolds across East Texas.
