With several inches of snow on the horizon for Collin County, the National Weather Service is warning of potential travel delays. But some cities in North Texas do not have plows for the roads, including Plano, where Local Profile is located.
As a native Coloradan with a four-wheel drive vehicle, a few inches is no biggie. But many Texas likely don't share that sentiment. So how are North Texas cities preparing for snowy roads?
How Plano Is Preparing
Plano, as previously mentioned, does not have snow plows. But a salt and sand mixture is prepared to melt ice and provide traction. According to Plano Director of Media Relations Steve Stoler, during winter storm events, a sanding map divided into zones guides the response effort.
“Our city of Plano Streets Division does not have snowplows as snow accumulation is not a typical event for this region as it would be for Northern states,” Stoler tells Local Profile. “If there is snow accumulation that causes issues, we do have front-end loaders and heavy equipment to push snow to the side as needed.”
For Plano, ten units are deployed simultaneously, prioritizing major thoroughfare intersections, bridges, police stations, fire stations, hospital entrances and exits, city facilities and designated warming centers. These locations are proactively monitored and treated with the salt/sand mixture as needed.
Expected Weather
As Local Profile previously reported, from late Wednesday through Friday morning, widespread snow is anticipated, with 1-4 inches expected and up to 6 inches possible in some areas of Collin County. National Weather Service Meteorologist Matt Stalley previously told Local Profile that the NWS is still working to determine which areas will receive the heaviest snowfall, as the details remain "up in the air." (Quite literally it seems!)
Starting Jan. 6, 2025, gusty northwest winds combined with falling temperatures will cause wind chills to drop into the single digits and teens. From Jan. 7-12, wind chills in the teens are expected.
ERCOT Weather Watch
On Jan. 5, 2025, a weather watch was released by ERCOT, serving as an early alert for forecasted severe weather, which may lead to higher electrical demand and the possibility of lower reserves. Reducing electric use during peak demand times can help lower demand on the grid.
“ERCOT is closely monitoring the winter weather conditions,” ERCOT Communications Christy Penders told Local Profile. “Grid conditions are expected to be normal.”
Resident Preparation
While North Texas cities prepare for winter storms, residents should take their own steps to ensure safety ahead of any extreme weather. Learn more about prepping your home for cold weather here.
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