TEMPLE, Texas — Schools across Central Texas have already made the decision to keep campuses closed Friday as road conditions are expected to worsen overnight Thursday.
Officials told 6 News that roads were dangerous in certain areas, but overall not that bad. They are more worried about everything refreezing and the conditions that will follow come Friday.
Jake Smith, the spokesperson for TxDOT's Waco District, told 6 News that crews are focusing and using resources to mitigate refreezing Thursday night.
"That's part of our operations tonight is to blaze the roadways, getting that slush out of the lane so it helps mitigate the refreezing," he explained. "We will be prioritizing main lanes and roadways that are a little more traveled on."
Smith said Wednesday night that TxDOT's resources and efforts go toward more traveled areas compared to more rural roads.
The department also focuses more on troubled spots like areas surrounding bridges and overpasses. As well as turns and shaded areas because those tend to freeze first.
Thursday's wintery precipitation brought snow, sleet and ice to roadways all throughout Central Texas, leaving many with unwanted feelings.
The icy roads kept local authorities busy too. They had to monitor roads, clear crash scenes and help stalled vehicles.
A spokesperson with Temple Police Department says they worked multiple minor crashes, several disabled vehicles and only one major crash as of Thursday afternoon.
The major crash was a call TPD received around 1 p.m. about an 18-wheeler crashing into a concrete wall and then spilling diesel onto I-35 near Adams and Central Avenues.
Temple drivers tell 6 News the roads are not ideal and it's just taking a little longer to get places than usual.
Other driving conditions around Central Texas include Waco Policing warning drivers Thursday that some stop lights were not working. They say if you get out to travel and approach this situation, all drivers to treat the intersection like a four-way stop!
In a live video posted to Facebook Thursday night, the Killeen Police Department announced that 1-14 was freezing over and was not safe to drive.
TxDOT officials urge you to be informed before heading out on the roads and only travel if you have to. Here's how you can check routes for delays and wintery conditions.