Dallas, TX – SNOW! (Or in most cases — ice.) As winter weather systems begin dipping into the South and Lower Midwest, meteorologists are urging residents to understand the difference between a Winter Storm Advisory and a Winter Storm Warning — especially for travelers along I-40, I-20, and I-35.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a Winter Storm Warning is issued when hazardous conditions such as heavy sleet, ice, or accumulating snow are expected or occurring. In southern states, this often means at least a quarter inch of ice or enough frozen precipitation to cause widespread power outages and treacherous roadways.
A Winter Weather Advisory, on the other hand, indicates that lighter ice or snow is likely but could still make travel difficult. Even thin layers of freezing rain can cause vehicles to lose traction, especially on bridges and overpasses that freeze first.
Forecasters note that thresholds for these alerts differ from those in northern regions. For example, an event that might only be an advisory in Missouri could trigger a warning in central Texas, where ice is rarer and infrastructure is less prepared for freezing conditions.
The NWS advises residents to check weather.gov for updated alerts, avoid unnecessary travel during active warnings, and keep an emergency kit with blankets, flashlights, and nonperishable food in their vehicles through the winter months.
