Winter weather impacts commute in Texas Panhandle; some schools announce delays

Snow continued to fall in parts of the region as the storm made its way through the area overnight. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Friday for several portions of the northern part of the Texas Panhandle. A Hazardous Weather Outlook for today through Thursday for other parts of the region including Amarillo notes that the area may see some light additional snowfall accumulations Friday morning, with snowfall accumulations possible across much of the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles Monday, as well as strong winds in excess of 35 mph.

A Winter Storm Warning remained in effect until 4 a.m. Friday for Okloahoma and Texas counties, including the cities of Romero, Ware, Dalhart, Boise City, Channing, Hartley, Conlen, and Keyes. The National Weather Service said heavy snow was expected, with total snow accumulations between 5 and 6 inches. In Texas, the area includes Dallam and Hartley Counties. NWS warned roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Hazardous driving conditions could impact both the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.

A Winter Weather Advisory remained in effect until 4 a.m. Friday for most of the region, including Potter and Randall counties and the cities of Boys Ranch, Bushland, Washburn, Wayside, Claude, Wildorado, Amarillo, Pantex, Kingsmill, Pampa, Skellytown, Hereford, Buffalo Lake, Panhandle, Bootleg, Goodnight, Umbarger, Dawn, White Deer, Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and Vega. In those areas, total snow accumulations were expected to be up to two inches, with winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

In school closings and delays:

Grandview-Hopkins ISD will begin classes two hours late on Friday, Jan. 5 because of the weather conditions. Buses will run two hours late, and breakfast will not be served.

Boys Ranch ISD: Classes will start at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 5.

White Deer ISD will begin classes two hours late on Friday, Jan. 5 because of the weather conditions. Buses will run two hours late.

Darrouzett ISD will start at 10:00 am on Friday, January 5, 2024.

All Perryton ISD campuses will start at 10:00 am today, January 5th. Bus routes will run on pavement only.

Texhoma ISD will have a delayed start Friday, Jan 5. Classes will start at 10:00am, doors open at 9:30am. No breakfast.

Groom ISD will start classes on Friday, 01/05/2024 at 10:00 am. Buses will run two hours later than normal.

Claude ISD will start classes on Friday, January 5th, at 10:00 am; buses will run two hours late.

Pringle-Morse will have a 10:00 a.m. start on Friday January 5th, 2024. buses will run accordingly.

Earlier story: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) issued a news release early Thursday ahead of a storm system entering the area expected to impact travel on the roadways.

The potential snowfall follows heavy fog that settled in the area and could be seen Thursday morning, reducing visibility and making travel hazardous.

"According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Amarillo, accumulating snowfall is likely today, Jan. 4, across the Texas panhandle," TxDOT said in the release. "This winter system is expected to produce one to three inches of snow, south of the Canadian River and one to five inches of snow, north of the Canadian River. The heaviest snowfall in Amarillo is expected to fall from 4 – 6 p.m. The snowfall may lead to at least minor impacts, especially for those commuting in the early evening hours."

TxDOT said maintenance crews pretreated roadways Wednesday in the Amarillo District’s 17 counties, which include Armstrong, Carson, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Gray, Hansford, Hartley, Hemphill, Hutchinson, Lipscomb, Moore, Ochiltree, Oldham, Potter, Randall, Roberts and Sherman counties.

"Crews will patrol roadways to monitor conditions and respond as necessary throughout the event," TxDOT stated. The Amarillo District of TxDOT is responsible for 9,503 lane miles and 840 bridges.

TxDOT said its priorities for snow and ice operations are:

• Roadways that affect the movement of interstate commerce

• Roadways of high priority, locally or regionally

• Bridge decks, sharp curves, steep grades, intersections and access points

• Routes near hospitals, emergency facilities and schools

"Prioritizing response helps first responders, as well as utility companies, to reach those in need. While TxDOT is prepared, it is equally important for drivers to be prepared," TxDOT stated, offering the following suggestions for those who will be on the roadways during the winter weather.

Driving safety tips - how to be prepared ahead of travel in hazardous weather

• Assemble an emergency roadside kit. Travel with items including a first-aid kit, booster cables, abrasive materials (sand or cat litter), flashlights, warm clothes, snacks and water, shovel, and ice scraper.

• Check your vehicle’s battery, tires and windshield wipers as well as ensure the vehicle has ample fuel to account for potential travel delays.

• Get plenty of rest before hitting the road. Never attempt to travel when fatigued or while under the influence of alcohol.

• Be familiar with directions ahead of time and let others know your route and expected arrival time.

• Check up-to-date road conditions at www.drivetexas.org or by calling (800) 452-9292. Traffic cameras for the Amarillo District can be found on that site, as well.

• Build in extra time to reach your destination to account for travel delays, practice patience, and share the road with others.

• In any situation, protect yourself by wearing your seat belts and ensuring everyone in the vehicle is buckled up.

• Always use caution when driving on icy or slick roads. Remember, bridges and overpasses are the first to freeze.

• Be sure to reduce your speed, increase your distance between other vehicles to at least three times the normal following distance, and drive with caution.

• Keep a safe distance from snowplows and other TxDOT vehicles as they work to treat and clear roadways – Don’t Crowd the Plow.

• Do not use cruise control. Cruise control can quickly turn into “lose control” if you hit black ice or other areas that affect your vehicle’s traction.

• 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, then straighten your vehicle.

• Move over a lane to create a safe margin of space when passing a vehicle on the side of the road with flashing lights, including tow trucks, disabled vehicles, law enforcement vehicles, emergency vehicles and TxDOT vehicles.

TxDOT notes that conditions on roadways can change rapidly, even with proactive measures:

"The unpredictable and fast-changing severe Texas weather can still result in some snow and ice accumulation. If you must drive, check weather forecasts and visit DriveTexas.org or call 800-452-9292 to see conditions and closures on your planned route. If you find yourself stranded or facing an emergency, call 9-1-1."

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: TxDOT: Winter weather may impact commute, offers safety tips