With less than 24 hours to go until the freeze arrives, the emergency operations center in Fort Worth is active.
City leaders announced Thursday that they’re working closely with local and state partners, like the Texas Department of Emergency Management, in an all-hands-on-deck operation.
“Once the storm hits this weekend, if you can stay home, please stay home and off the roads. That’s the most important thing for our emergency personnel that are out there as first responders,” said Mayor Mattie Parker.
Oncor said it is moving equipment and people to service centers across the state to respond to any outages.
Experts say even a thin layer of ice can make a tree limb weigh thirty times its weight, making power outages more likely if branches bend or break.
While extra line crews stand ready, the agency has said resources are stretched due to the storm’s scope.
“You’re looking at impacts across the entire southeast, the eastern seaboard, up north, so we are aware that a lot of our partners are having to prepare in their own service areas with their own communities,” said spokesperson Carrie Dunn.
“Do things like charge your devices. Have blankets ready. Have flashlights, essential supplies. Check on your neighbors. That’s what we’re good about in Fort Worth. That’s what we’re good about in Texas, especially our seniors and those who might have special needs,” said Fort Worth Director of Emergency Management Sonny Saxton.
In Fort Worth, critical corridors have been treated with brine.
Priority routes include bridges, hospitals, access points, major hills and emergency shelter locations.
30 sand trucks stand ready for 12-hour shifts.
While Trinity Metro plans to run its full schedule, it has warned those who rely on the service to prepare for possible delays or service disruptions.
Five years after a 133-car pileup on I-35W left six dead and injured dozens more, TXDOT said this event could be the first use of variable speed limit signs on major highways.
“Treat this as essential travel only starting tomorrow afternoon and evening,” said Saxton.
