TxDOT asking drivers to stay home during winter storm

De-icing brine truck with TxDOT workers.

Jan. 27, 2026, 3 p.m.

AUSTIN — Winter weather continued to affect a large part of the state Tuesday as crews stayed out in force to clear and treat roads.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there were still 3,600 road segments affected by winter weather. That number has gone down from more than 5,000 segments as Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) crews worked 24 hours throughout the state to help clear roads. More than 5,000 TxDOT employees responded to the storm.

In several areas with heavy accumulation, TxDOT scheduled targeted operations to remove snow buildup from concrete barriers along major routes. The effort helps prevent melting snow from refreezing and creating slick spots on travel lanes.

Texans also saw convoys of TxDOT crews clearing miles of roads on interstates, tackling multiple lanes in one effort. One convoy in north Texas cleared nearly 30 miles of roadway on US 75.

TxDOT, working alongside local law enforcement, continue to urge motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and remain cautious, especially on bridges, overpasses and shaded roadways where ice can persist longer. While daytime sunshine can help melt some ice, refreezing overnight can create hazardous conditions, particularly during early morning hours.

Motorists are urged to slow down, increase following distance, give maintenance vehicles plenty of room and check DriveTexas.org for real-time road conditions.

TxDOT will continue monitoring forecasts and roadway conditions as temperatures rise and the state gets more sunlight.

A convoy of snow plows clears I-35 in the Metroplex in January 2026.
Brine truck preps for winter storm in January 2026.
Snow plows clear roads in West Texas in January 2026.
TxDOT clearing roads in West Texas in January 2026.
The view from behind the wheel of a maintainer plowing roads in Texas in January 2026.

Jan. 25, 2026, 1 p.m.

AUSTIN — Winter weather impacted nearly 5,000 roads as of Sunday morning and TxDOT is asking drivers to continue to stay home if possible.

Crews continued monitoring and clearing roads throughout the state overnight Saturday as snow and ice affected a large portion of the state. Crews continued that work into Sunday, staying on 24-hour operations.

As of Sunday morning there were more than 5,100 employees responding to winter weather. Crews also used 3.5 million gallons of brine.

A semi-truck crashed into a TxDOT snow plow along I-20 in Odessa Friday night. There were no major injuries, but it underscores the importance of giving crews space to work on the road.

TxDOT continues to urge drivers in areas with icy conditions to stay home if possible. If you must drive, visit drivetexas.org for the latest road conditions.

Jan. 23, 2026, 4 p.m.

AUSTIN — Winter weather started impacting roads at the Texas and Oklahoma border along the panhandle late Friday morning. TxDOT crews are positioned throughout the state, treating and monitoring roads to help prepare for winter weather.

TxDOT continues to urge drivers in areas with icy conditions to stay home if possible. If you must drive, visit drivetexas.org for the latest road conditions.

Up to 5,000 TxDOT workers are expected to respond to this storm. Crews continue to pretreat and treat roads with a salt and water solution called brine. Nearly 1.7 million gallons of brine was used throughout the state as of Friday morning.

Jan. 22, 2026

AUSTIN — With winter weather expected to impact a large part of the state, TxDOT is asking drivers to stay home if possible.

TxDOT crews began pretreating roadways on Wednesday in anticipation of freezing temperatures and possible precipitation.

Hundreds of pieces of equipment have been deployed, including nearly 400 trucks for sanding and brine application. As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 1 million gallons of brine had already been used to pretreat roads.

TxDOT is urging everyone to avoid travel this weekend if possible. If you absolutely must drive, visit Drive Texas for the latest road conditions.

“Roads will be dangerous, so staying off the roads is the safest option,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams.

TxDOT is closely monitoring the developing weather system and coordinating with partner agencies.

How TxDOT is preparing

Crews apply a brine solution to pretreat roads, focusing first on major highways, interstates and key connectors, as well as bridges, overpasses and known trouble spots, which are especially vulnerable to icing.

Many districts will operate around the clock once winter weather arrives, keeping crews staged and ready to respond to changing conditions.

Drivers urged to use caution

TxDOT strongly discourages travel during inclement winter weather. If travel is unavoidable, motorists are urged to slow down, take extra precautions and drive like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe:

Give TxDOT vehicles plenty of space and never crowd or pass working equipment.
Stay aware of rapidly changing weather conditions.
Allow extra time to reach your destination.
Reduce speed, increase following distance and drive to conditions.
Wear your seat belt and avoid using cruise control.
Use headlights day and night to improve visibility.
Carry an emergency kit, keep your gas tank full and give extra space to stopped vehicles.
Move over or slow down when approaching vehicles with flashing lights.

If a vehicle begins to skid, drivers should remain calm, ease off the gas, look where they want to go and steer in that direction.

Motorists are encouraged to stay informed by following local weather forecasts and checking current road conditions at Drive Texas or by calling TxDOT’s Travel Information Line at 1-800-452-9292.

TxDOT will continue monitoring conditions and adjusting operations as needed throughout the winter weather event.