Is this your first North Texas winter storm? Buckle up. Here’s what you should do now.
North Texas will experience its first freeze of the season with a chance of snow beginning late Wednesday, Jan. 8, according to the National Weather Service.
Temperatures will dip below freezing each night this week, and we could see up to 5 inches of snow starting Wednesday night through Friday.
Preparing for occasional winter storms has become a habit for Texans, but if you’re new here — the latest Census data says Texas gained the most people out of any other state last year — you might not realize that a winter storm in Texas isn’t the same as a winter storm elsewhere. Texas cities weren’t built with winter in mind, so when it does get below freezing, we tend to take every precaution we can.
While the snow and ice may only last a few days, it is normal for North Texas to turn into a ghost town during a freeze. Leaving your house once it hits can be dangerous, so here are ways you should prepare.
How to prepare your home for snow
The Texas Department of Insurance suggests preparing days before snow.
You will need to prepare both the inside and outside of your home. What people worry about the most is pipes freezing.
To prevent pipes from freezing,
Open cabinets under sinks to allow your house to warm the pipes.
Drip your faucets so water can run through your pipes.
If you think a pipe is frozen, turn off your water valve. This will help with leaks and flooding for when the water eventually thaws.
Other ways you should prepare your home for a freeze:
Wrap outdoor and indoor pipes in areas without air conditioned heat.
Wrap up and remove hoses and wrap outdoor pipes.
Drain and turn off your sprinkler system.
Turn off the water to your washing machine if it’s in an unheated area.
Store and drain your lawn equipment in a garage or shed to keep them in good condition for next year.
If you leave your house before a freeze, turn off the water at the shutoff valve and leave your heat on to at least 60 degrees. Also ensure that your HVAC is working.
Bring in any plants that can be indoors, and cover your outdoor plants.
Cover or remove AC window units.
Seal any cracks and holes in pipes or outside walls and windows.
Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work.
Stock up on firewood or propane. Make sure your chimney is clean and ready for use.
Stock up on batteries.
Stock up on shelf-stable food and bottled water.
How to prepare your car for snow
The National Weather Service suggests filling up your car tank before a freeze in case of emergencies.
You may also may notice that your tire pressure is low due to the change in temperature. If this is the case, you should fill your tires up.
First, check your tire pressure. Finding your current tire pressure level varies depending on the car, but newer models display this information on the dashboard panel. You may need a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure manually.
If the tire pressure is low, check what your car’s suggested pressure of pounds per square inch (PSI) is. The PSI is commonly found in the car’s manual, on the driver’s side of the door or the fuel filler cap. This can also vary by car.
You can go to a local gas station with tire air stations or swing by an auto shop where they will check and fill them up for you if needed. Gas stations may cost you a few dollars, but auto shops offer this service for free.
Also, ensure your windshield wiper fluid is full. The alcohol in the fluid can be helpful in melting snow or ice from your windshield. Never pour hot or boiling water on your frozen windshield, since the temperature shock can break the glass.
The NWS also suggests having the following in your emergency car survival kit:
Jumper cables
Flashlights, with replaced batteries before the winter season starts
A first aid kit with all your essential medicines and prescriptions
A basic toolkit with pliers, a wrench or screwdriver
A battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
Cat litter or sand to help with tire traction.
A shovel
An ice scraper
A spare phone charger
Do I need a generator for a freeze?
Generators are never a bad idea during freezing weather in Texas. In case of a power outage, like during the winter storm in 2021, these tools will continue to generate heat for your home.
Generators come in all shapes and sizes. Purchasing one will depend on how much power your home needs. You can use a generator calculator to find out which may be the right fit for you.
Upon hearing this week’s forecast, many Texans has flashbacks to the February 2021 freeze, when the state’s electric grid failed and millions of people lost power. As of Sunday afternoon, there is enough power available to meet demand for this storm, according to online data from ERCOT, the state’s electric grid operator.
ERCOT officials issued a weather watch for the area that will last Jan. 6 through Jan. 10, according to a news release from the organization.
A weather watch is a notification of conditions that will create higher electrical demand and the potential for lower electrical reserves, according to the statement.
“ERCOT is monitoring conditions closely and will deploy all available tools to manage the grid, continuing a reliability-first approach to operations,” the statement reads.
Can I drive in a freeze?
It is generally not recommended to drive in a freeze due to possible ice on the roads. However, if you need to leave the house, the Texas Department of Insurance suggests the following tips.
Plan ahead. Do not drive if one is in a rush. Prepare to spend extra time driving slower than normal.
Do not tailgate other drivers.
Keep a car emergency kit.
Avoid bridges, ramps and overpasses. They tend to form ice due to lack of heat.
Star-Telegram breaking news reporter Lillie Davidson contributed to this report.
This story was originally published January 6, 2025 at 4:33 PM.