Weather
Texas Winter Weather Awareness 2026-27: Is Your Vehicle Ready for Dallas Snow and Ice?
Dallas, TX – Freezing rain, icy bridges and sudden temperature drops can make winter driving dangerous across Texas. As the 2026 27 winter season approaches, Dallas area motorists have an important qu
By Mara Ellison · 2026-11-06T10:58:16.106Z
Dallas, TX – Freezing rain, icy bridges and sudden temperature drops can make winter driving dangerous across Texas. As the 2026 27 winter season approaches, Dallas area motorists have an important question to consider: Is your vehicle ready for snow, sleet and ice?
According to the Texas Division of Emergency Management, residents should prepare for winter hazards by maintaining emergency supplies, monitoring weather conditions and planning ahead for potential travel disruptions.
Across Dallas, Dallas County and the Dallas Fort Worth metropolitan area, including Irving, Garland, Plano and Arlington, icy conditions can affect Interstate 35E, Interstate 30, Interstate 635 and U.S. Highway 75.
Five Steps to Prepare Your Vehicle for Texas Winter Weather 1. Pack a winter emergency kit. Carry blankets, warm clothing, water, nonperishable snacks, a flashlight, jumper cables, a phone charger, an ice scraper and a small shovel. Include sand or kitty litter for traction.
2. Keep your fuel tank at least half full. Unexpected road closures can leave motorists waiting in freezing conditions. Electric vehicle drivers should maintain sufficient charge and account for reduced cold weather range.
3. Inspect your tires. Check tread depth and tire pressure. Proper traction is essential on slippery roads, although no tire can eliminate the dangers of driving on ice.
4. Check windshield wipers. Replace worn blades and use freeze resistant washer fluid to maintain visibility during freezing precipitation and road salt buildup.
5. Inspect essential vehicle systems. Have a mechanic check the battery, antifreeze, brakes, heater, defroster and lights before temperatures drop.
Could Your Vehicle Handle the Next Texas Freeze? North Texas winter storms can produce freezing rain and sleet, creating hazardous conditions even without significant snowfall. Elevated ramps, bridges and overpasses may freeze before nearby roads.
Drivers should check National Weather Service forecasts and DriveTexas for road conditions before traveling. During significant icing, postponing nonessential trips may be the safest choice.
For statewide preparedness guidance, visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management .
If freezing rain arrived tomorrow, would your vehicle be ready?