Severe Winter Weather

Severe Winter Weather 

While winters in North Central Texas (NCT) are generally mild, the area is subject to severe winter weather events such as sleet, snows and ice storms. It is not unheard of for the NCT region to shut down due to severe winter weather that leaves roadways covered in ice with the potential to cause power outages due to downed power lines. 

The National Weather Service refers to severe winter storms as the "Deceptive Killers" because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes.

Severe winter weather conditions in NCT generally occur between January and February.

Safety Tips:

• Know winter weather terms
  
  
  • Freezing Rain Advisory: means that periods of freezing rain or freezing drizzle may cause travel difficulties.
  • Winter Weather Advisory: snow, blowing snow, ice, sleet, or a combination of these elements could occur, but conditions may not be hazardous enough to meet warning or watch criteria.
  • Winter Storm Watch: conditions are favorable for a significant winter storm event that could include heavy sleet, ice, heavy snow and blowing snow, or a combination.
  • Winter Storm Warning: a significant winter weather event that could include snow, ice, sleet or blowing snow, or a combination.
  • Ice Storm Warning: means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of ice accumulations will make travel extremely dangerous or impossible.
  • Black Ice: is caused by extremely cold rain droplets forming a clear ice on roadways; it can be difficult to see, and it is extremely slick.
    
    
• Take Protective Action
  
  
  • Winter weather can cause the campus to move to remote operations or closure:
    • Check your department's or unit's Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to determine if you are assigned to an essential function that will require you to come to campus during closures. The BCP should also explain the alternate (remote) work environment and what is required of you. If you are unsure what your BCP says or what to do, ask your supervisor.
      
      
• How to protect yourself for winter weather
  
  
  • Winterize your vehicle at the beginning of the season. Keep spare blankets and provisions in your vehicle in case you get stranded.
  • Avoid driving on overpasses and bridges.