AMARILLO – Today, Thursday, Jan. 8, crews will begin preparations for the upcoming forecasted winter weather event by applying brine to roadways across the district. The National Weather Service (NWS) of Amarillo is anticipating snowfall starting later tonight or early Friday morning. Crews will be monitoring and patrolling the roadways for any trouble spots throughout the forecasted winter weather event. The anticipated snowfall could cause some roadways to be slick.

Winter weather driving tips include:

THE VEHICLE

▪ Remove snow and ice from your vehicle before you drive.

▪ Maintain your vehicle in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.

▪ Ensure headlights, tail lights, wiper blades, heater/defroster, ignition/battery, anti-freeze levels, fuel levels, brakes, and tires are good to to go.

▪ Accelerate slowly, drive slowly, and observe traffic signs and alerts.

DRIVING

• Slow down. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.

• Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow or ice.

• Watch carefully for snow removal equipment and stay at least 200 feet behind snow plows.

• Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses, and shaded areas as they tend to freeze first.

• If your vehicle starts to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you have regained traction. Then straighten your vehicle.

ROAD EMERGENCY KIT

Booster Cables, road map, chains/straps/shovel, abrasive materials such as cat litter or sand, first-aid kit, flashlight, extra sets of clothes, blankets, batteries, food, ice scraper, and matches. If you get stranded, call 911 for emergency services.

We urge the public to please stay off the roadways during winter weather events unless it’s an emergency or absolutely necessary. For current road conditions, visit drivetexas.org or call (800) 452-9292. For current weather conditions, follow the NWS of Amarillo’s on Facebook or X.