TEXAS, USA — Central Texas is expected to possibly get four to six inches of snow this weekend. While the snow can be fun, there some things you need to be aware of before the snow hits.
"The biggest concern is definitely going to be those slick roads," 6 News Meteorologist Jordan Darensbourg said.
According to Jake Smith with TXDOT's Waco Region, some areas of Central Texas have been pretreated.
"Overpasses and bridges, those are your trouble areas. Those tend to freeze first," Smith said.
He mentioned the main lanes on I-35 through the Waco Project were also pretreated. For winter weather preparation, Smith said TXDOT starts in the fall.
Smith recommended staying home if possible.
"Avoid unnecessary travel and for those who can't make sure you give yourself enough time to get to your destination," Smith said. "We want to reduce our speeds. When we speed limit signs out on the roadways those speed limit indicators are for ideal driving conditions. This winter weather that we're anticipating is not ideal driving conditions."
The weather is expected to hit Sunday. 6 News reached out to different school districts about how they handle these weather situations.
Statement from Waco ISD:
“We watch the weather very closely, and when the forecast calls for inclement weather, we take several steps to assess if it’s safe to hold school as normal. This includes participating in National Weather Service webinars, reviewing local forecasts, and conducting a thorough assessment of road and bridge conditions across the district. We also consult with surrounding districts. Our goal is to communicate any weather-related closures or delays as soon as possible. However, in some cases, the timing of weather events means that decisions can’t be made until early in the morning the same day as a closure or delay. We will communicate any changes through text, email and phone notifications to staff and families, postings on our website and social media accounts, and messages to local media.”
Email sent to Staff at Temple ISD:
TISD SEVERE WEATHER PROCEDURE (Policy CKC)
Delay Start Time / Closed School - before the school day In the event of severe weather during overnight or early morning hours, the decision to close schools or delay start times will be made no later than 6am on the day in question. Parents and families may receive notification of severe weather delays/closings in several ways:
° Local media - We will update the following local television and radio stations by 6 am of the status of classes (open/delayed/closed): ° News 8 (Time Warner Cable) ° KCEN (Channel 6) ° KWTX (Channel 10) KXXV (Channel 25) ° Cumulus Broadcasting (101.7, 103.1, 105.5, 106.3, AM1400) ° ClearChannel Broadcasting (Waco 100, 95.7, 97.5, 102.5, AM1460) ° Star 92.9, KBCT 94.5
° School Messenger System - Temple ISD uses an automated call and email system to notify parents in the district database.
° TISD.org - School delay/closings will be posted on the front page of the District website.
The procedure for making the decision to close schools begins early in the morning when school personnel in each area of the city drive the streets near the neighborhood schools to check road conditions. Personnel confer with the weather bureau, police department, and gas and utility companies about forecasts, road conditions and available energy for heating the buildings. The personnel report the findings to the Superintendent of Schools (or designee) who makes the final decision if a delay or closing is needed. Classes will not be held if it is determined that buses are unable to operate safely; if electric service at schools is disrupted; or if natural gas to schools is curtailed.
Statement from Killeen ISD:
"All Killeen ISD campuses are currently scheduled to open on Monday morning. If inclement weather occurs, the district will communicate any potential delays through our Mass Communications system, on our website, and through our local media partners," KISD Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Taina Maya said in a message to 6 News."There are several factors involved with making the decision and its unique to each weather event. Transportation evaluates the road conditions, power is checked at all campuses, and the weather forecast is monitored closely."
6 News also reached out to multiple spokespeople for different cities in the area. Waco spokesman Larry Holze said in a text message, the city does not do any pre-treatment of roads.
"We do standby with sand to put on down on certain major roads and overpasses that are in our city limits that are not part of the county road system or the TxDOT system," Holze wrote.
Emily Parks with the City of Temple said in an email, "Our staff are working with state and local agencies, actively watching conditions and will do everything possible to keep roadways and our city safe. I encourage our residents stay off the roads and out of the weather if at all possible, and if not, to drive with caution. Pay attention to road signs and barriers. Remember: people, pets, pipes and plants as you prepare for this storm. Stay warm and stay safe!”
