It’s “take two” on the wintry weather today. After hours of waiting and watching, residents finally saw snow begin to fall in southern Denton County around 7:30 a.m.
The snow followed early morning showers mixed with sleet, causing some accidents along major thoroughfares in the region as residents returned to work after two days of ice-covered roads from an earlier sleet storm.
A winter weather advisory remains in effect through noon for Denton County though forecasts call for the slight dusting of snow to continue through 1 p.m. in some areas.
Denton and Lewisville ISDs and UNT opened today at their regularly scheduled times while Argyle ISD, North Central Texas College campuses and Northwest ISD delayed opening to 10 a.m. Liberty Christian School announced it would be closed today. See a list of southern Denton County school closings, delays and openings here.
Multiple accidents reported across the region earlier this morning with lanes closing on 121 and icy conditions on 114 and 2499. More than 200 cancellations were reported at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport as of 6:45 a.m.
The current temperature is hovering at 34 degrees as the light snow falls. This afternoon, temperatures will warm slightly to a high of 38 degrees. Tonight, under partly cloudy skies, temperatures will dip to 30 degrees. On Thursday, it will warm up to 42 before falling to 24 degrees. The high for Friday will be 32 degrees. Temperatures will begin to climb out of the 20s to 40s on Sunday with a projected high of 55 degrees.
The possibility of snow returns to the forecast again Friday through early Saturday. Details are still a bit sketchy on potential effects to the North Texas region though early reports call for a 30 percent chance. Rain showers will continue Saturday and Sunday.
With the potential hazardous driving conditions, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is monitoring the weather and treat overpasses and bridges in the DFW area.
Drivers are urged to follow these precautions:
* Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road conditions. Do not use cruise control.
* Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow.
* Watch for personnel and equipment treating roadways, and stay at least 200 feet back from any road crews.
* Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas as they tend to freeze first.
* Carry extra warm coats, gloves and boots in case you get stranded.
* If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction, and then straighten your vehicle.
TxDOT crews will monitor the highways until the snow and freezing conditions are over. Motorists may obtain travel information by calling (800) 452-9292 or by visiting www.drivetexas.org. Road conditions and traffic updates are available on Facebook,www.facebook.com/txdot and Twitter, www.twitter.com/txdot.
The Cross Timbers Gazette team will continue monitoring forecasts and will update this report as they become available.
