January 31, 2023 Ice storm hits the South and central US | CNN

January 31, 2023 Ice storm hits the South and central US

Adrienne Vogt
By Adrienne Vogt, Maureen Chowdhury and Tori B. Powell, CNN
Updated 9:59 PM EST, Tue January 31, 2023
jennifer gray
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CNN meteorologist gives the latest on severe ice storm hitting the South and Central US
1:23 • Source: CNN
jennifer gray
1:23

What we covered here

  • After an ice storm wreaked havoc in parts of the South and central US, more than 30 million people from New Mexico to West Virginia remain under some type of winter weather alert into Wednesday.
  • Cities under ice storm warnings include Memphis, Tennessee, and Little Rock, Arkansas, while a slew of Texas cities—Dallas, San Antonio, San Angelo and Waco — are under winter storm warnings.
  • Two people were killed in weather-related incidents in Texas as Gov. Greg Abbott urged residents to stay home, saying about 1,600 roads will remain dangerous for the next 24 to 48 hours.
  • You can track the storm here. If you are in an area of low connectivity, get the latest CNN updates here.

Our live coverage has ended. Follow the latest weather news here or read through the updates below. 

Updates

(23)

Ice storm warnings expanded to portions of western and central Texas for Wednesday

From CNN's Taylor Ward

The National Weather Service expanded the ice storm warnings across portions of western and central Texas. This includes areas around Midland as well as areas just west of Dallas, including Fort Worth.

The majority of these areas were under winter storm warnings today for a mix of freezing rain and sleet. The change to ice storm warnings is because the precipitation is expected to be almost exclusively freezing rain Wednesday and Wednesday night. 

This round of precipitation is also expected to be the heaviest of the week. Locations across central Texas have received around half an inch to an inch of sleet and up to a quarter of an inch of freezing rain since Monday. 

Areas under ice storm warnings are expected to receive up to, or even over half an inch of freezing rain in the next 36 hours. Half an inch of ice was reported on trees and power lines, which is enough to cause significant damage and power outages.

Much of central and eastern Arkansas, western Tennessee and northwestern Mississippi continue to be under ice storm warnings as well. In total, nearly 8 million people are included in ice storm warnings.

Overall, more than 30 million people are under some sort of winter weather alert from New Mexico to Virginia.

School districts in western Tennessee and northwestern Mississippi announce closures for Wednesday

From CNN’s Joe Sutton and Jessica Jordan

A number of school districts across western Tennessee and northwestern Mississippi have announced schools will be closed on Wednesday as the area remains under an ice storm warning.

Here are the districts that have made closure announcements:

  • Memphis Shelby County Schools (Tennessee)
  • Dyer County Schools ( Tennessee)
  • Lauderdale County Schools (Tennessee)
  • McNairy County Schools (Tennessee)
  • DeSoto County Schools (Mississippi)
  • Tate County School District (Mississippi)
  • Tunica County School District (Mississippi)

More than 1,000 flights have already been canceled for Wednesday

From CNN’s Joe Sutton
A traveler waits at a United Airlines counter at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Tuesday in Austin, Texas. Many flights have been delayed and cancelled due to a winter storm.
A traveler waits at a United Airlines counter at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Tuesday in Austin, Texas. Many flights have been delayed and cancelled due to a winter storm.
(Brandon Bell/Getty Images))

The ongoing ice storm and winter weather that’s impacting at least eight states from Texas to West Virginia will continue to impact travelers at US airports Wednesday.

As of Tuesday evening, FlightAware reports 1,042 flights have been canceled for Wednesday.

Southwest Airlines is experiencing the most cancellations as of now, according to FlightAware.  

The airports that are experiencing the bulk of the cancellations are in Texas: Dallas-Fort Worth International, Dallas Love Field, and Austin-Bergstrom International. 

According to FlightAware, approximately 1,947 flights were canceled within, into or out of the US as of Tuesday night.

Texas is the only state reporting power outages so far

Texas is the only state reporting outages at this time, as more than 40 million people in the central and southern US experience winter weather.

According to PowerOutage.US, the state has 35,988 customers with no power.

Austin water company says it's operating normally and is prepared for winter weather

From CNN’s Joe Sutton

Austin Water is prepared for the ongoing winter weather threat in Texas, an official told CNN Tuesday, saying that systems are operating normally. Austin is currently under a winter storm warning, according to the National Weather Service.

These measures have been “developed based on lessons learned from recent emergency events,” she said. Austin Water serves more than 1 million customers in the area, according to its website. 

Austin and its water department faced challenges during the deadly winter storm in February 2021 with boil-water notices, broken pipes, and failing systems, CNN previously reported.

At one point during the storm in 2021, the city’s water supply lost 325 million gallons due to burst pipes, according to previous reporting. 

These are some of the steps the company has taken to increase preparedness, according to Chanslor:

  • Winterization procedures have been completed at facilities.
  • Increased staff availability levels at facilities and contractors on standby to assist, if needed
  • In anticipation of treacherous road conditions, Austin Water has made arrangements to accommodate staff who may have to stay at facilities overnight.

Austin police have responded to about 215 collision calls so far today

From CNN’s Joe Sutton

The ongoing winter storm that’s creating treacherous conditions across the state of Texas has led to at least 215 collision calls in the city of Austin, the police department said in a tweet. 

Austin is the state capital of Texas and remains under a winter storm warning.

The post has been updated with the latest information from the APD.

Texas sheriff's deputy in surgery after being pinned by truck that slid off the road

A deputy in Travis County, Texas, which includes the city of Austin, is recovering from surgery after being injured in a weather-related crash.

The Travis County Sheriff’s Office said the deputy pulled over and got out of his car to help the driver of an 18-wheeler that went off the road just before 9 a.m. Tuesday morning. While he was helping the driver, another 18-wheeler truck slid and hit the deputy, pinning him under one of the tires, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.

The deputy was in surgery as of Tuesday night and is expected to survive his injuries, the statement said.

Millions of people in several states are under winter weather alerts. Two people were killed in weather-related incidents in Texas as Gov. Greg Abbott urged residents to stay home, saying about 1,600 roads will remain dangerous for the next 24 to 48 hours.

I-35 from Oklahoma to Texas is extremely hazardous and travel is discouraged, officials say

From CNN’s Joe Sutton

Authorities in Oklahoma are advising motorists not to travel on I-35 due to hazardous conditions from the ongoing winter storm impacting the region. 

I-35 runs between Oklahoma City and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. 

A winter storm warning is in effect for areas of Oklahoma and an ice storm warning is active for parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). 

I-10 shut down in Reeves County, Texas, after multi-vehicle pileup during ice storm
Semi-trucks are seen piled up on a highway in Reeves County, Texas, on January 31.
Semi-trucks are seen piled up on a highway in Reeves County, Texas, on January 31.
(Reeves County)

Vehicles were backed up at least 10 miles on I-10 eastbound in Reeves County, Texas, on Tuesday as the area was struck with severe winter weather.

Reeves County Director of Communications Daniel Alvarado went live on Facebook with a warning.

The video shows jackknifed semi-trucks on the roadway blocking both lanes of traffic, with multiple vehicles scattered in between. The pile-up spanned from mile markers 185 and 186, with both eastbound lanes closed. The footage shows the ground coated in frost.

Texas Department of Transportation workers pretreated the area Monday in anticipation of heavy freezing fog and wet roads.

In the video, you can hear police sirens as emergency vehicles drive by on the clear side of the interstate.

Alvarado once again encouraged drivers to reduce their speed and avoid travel if possible.

More than 1,600 flights canceled so far due to winter weather

From CNN's Gabe Cohen

More than 1,600 flights have been canceled so far as winter weather impacts more than 40 million people in the central and southern US.

Watch the full report here:

599050c6-8b85-4899-855a-9fd9d5905051.mp4
1:41 • Source: CNN
1:41

Texas power grid is "just fine," governor says

From CNN’s Chris Boyette
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a press conference on January 31 in Austin.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a press conference on January 31 in Austin.
(KEYE)

Despite cold weather and icy conditions, the Texas power grid is working and no problems are expected according Gov. Greg Abbott.

As of 9 a.m. CT, there were about 7,000 local power outages across state being addressed by local utilities, Abbott said.

Abbot added that the Public Utilities Commission is coordinating with utility providers and monitoring power outages.

“They have plenty of reserves and plenty of power,” he said.

The governor encouraged Texans to stay off the roads and avoid driving if they can. He said about 1,600 roads across the state are impacted by the ice. Texas DOT used more than 1.3 million gallons of brine and other material to treat the roadways and 2,100 pieces of DOT equipment are being used.

He said the Texas National Guard is prepared across the state to assist stranded motorists, clear roadways and provide welfare checks and Texas Parks and Wildlife has at least 30 responders preparing for search and rescue operations.

A massive power outage left millions of Texans without power in the wake of a 2021 winter storm. 

Thundersleet and lightning caught on camera in Texas

From CNN’s Caroll Alvarado

Colleyville Police Chief Michael C. Miller captured video of thundersleet and lightning in his Texas city, which is near Dallas and Fort Worth.

“Roads are slick and only getting worse. Stay home and keep warm!” Miller posted on Twitter.

Arlington police say 1 person killed when vehicle rolled over

From CNN’s Chris Boyette

 Police in Arlington, Texas, said Tuesday that as an ice storm began to bear down on the state, at least one person was killed when their vehicle rolled over on Interstate 20.

Police said they’ve responded to multiple wrecks, including a seven-vehicle pileup on Interstate 30.

“We continue to urge folks to stay home if you don’t absolutely have to be on the roadways right now,” police said. “Conditions continue to deteriorate.”

1 dead in 10-car pileup in Austin, according to fire department

From CNN’s Chris Boyette
Cars involved in a multi-vehicle fatal accident sit on an on ramp in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday.
Cars involved in a multi-vehicle fatal accident sit on an on ramp in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday.
(Jay Janner /Austin American-Statesman/AP)

One person is dead after a 10-car pileup in south Austin, according to the Austin Fire Department.

Elsewhere in the city, AFD said one of its trucks was struck by vehicle while on the scene of another collision.

Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) said another multi-vehicle collision due to icing on State Highway 130 northeast of Austin resulted in two trauma patients transported to a nearby hospital after going over an overpass bridge.

One person had exited their vehicle, was struck by a car and went over the bridge, according to ATCEMS Capt. Darren Noak. Another person saw a vehicle sliding toward them and jumped off the bridge to avoid being hit, Noak said.

Both suffered “serious potentially life-threatening injuries,” according to ATCEMS.

As of 9:45 a.m. CT, emergency crews were actively responding or on the scene of three rollovers, eight traffic injuries and two vehicle rescues, Noak said.

The EMS service warned people to stay home for safety reasons.  

Tractor-trailer crashes during icy conditions in Arkansas

From CNN’s Caroll Alvarado

Officials in Forrest City, Arkansas, warned drivers that they should not travel if they don’t have to.

Interstate 40 and Highway 70 are “very icy,” leading to “extremely hazardous driving conditions.” The fire department shared photos of the aftermath of a large truck getting into an accident.

How to avoid carbon monoxide exposure during the winter storm

Medics from the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services say they are responding to a call for carbon monoxide exposure during the winter storm.

“Please remember, CO is an odorless/tasteless gas that can be deadly. DO NOT use stoves, ovens, or portable grills to heat your home. If using a generator, do so where there is sufficient ventilation,” it tweeted.

While power outages are limited right now, keep these tips in mind if you lose power during the storm:

  • Carbon dioxide is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Portable generators should never be used indoors. This includes use inside a garage, carport, basement, crawl space and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even those with ventilation.
  • Don’t run cars or trucks inside attached garages, even if the door is left open. People also should not heat their homes with gas ovens or burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented, the CDC advises.
  • Even using devices outside of the home comes with a caution that you stay more than 20 feet from a window, door or vent, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when using a generator, charcoal grill or camp stove.
  • If you’re suffering from carbon dioxide poisoning, you could experience flu-like symptoms such as headache, dizziness or weakness. Anyone who is running a different heat or power source and is feeling unwell should get to fresh air immediately.

Driving in a winter storm can be dangerous. Follow these safety tips if you must go out.

From CNN's Alaa Elassar
Cars drive down an icy highway as cold weather moves through Dallas on January 31.
Cars drive down an icy highway as cold weather moves through Dallas on January 31.
(Shelby Tauber/Reuters)

A winter storm is bearing down across the South this week, and today is expected to be the toughest day for driving as Texas bridges and roads become icy, according to the National Weather Service’s Fort Worth office. Drivers in Dallas, San Antonio and Austin can expect dangerous conditions on roads.

Driving in a snowstorm is difficult. Add wind gusts and poor visibility, and travel can become downright dangerous.

If you have to drive, here are a few tips for staying safe in winter weather:

  • Pack a winter driving kit: If motorists have any problems with their car’s battery, brakes, heating and cooling system or ignition system, they should try to stay off the roads. For those who must go out, it’s important to plan. The AAA recommends motorists pack a winter driving kit that includes a bag of abrasive material (sand, salt or cat litter), a snow shovel, traction mats, an ice scrape, booster cables and other essentials.
  • Drive slowly with headlights on low and avoid frequent stops: When driving in conditions with low visibility, motorists should proceed slowly with their headlights on low beam, the AAA advises. The AAA also recommends drivers avoid stopping if possible. Instead, motorists should drive slowly so their car keeps rolling without requiring a full stop.
  • Keep as much distance between your and other cars: To safely brake if necessary on ice or snow, the AAA advises drivers increase following distances to 8 to 10 seconds. On highways, drivers should not change lanes often, as they can lose control driving over snow that gathers between lanes.

Read more tips on driving safely in winter weather here.

Dallas Zoo closed through Wednesday due to icy conditions

From CNN's Andi Babineau

The Dallas Zoo will remain closed through Wednesday because of winter weather conditions in the region, according to an announcement from the zoo.

The Dallas Zoo has been the subject of several incidents recently, including the tampering of its leopard and monkey habitats and the “suspicious” death of an endangered vulture. On Monday, the zoo said it believes two of its emperor tamarin monkeys have been stolen.

Dallas authorities respond to more than 350 emergency calls and traffic accidents as ice storm rolls in

From CNN’s Ashley Killough, Ed Lavandera and Tina Burnside
An icy mix covers Highway 114 in Roanoke, Texas, on Monday.
An icy mix covers Highway 114 in Roanoke, Texas, on Monday.
(Lola Gomez/The Dallas Morning News via AP)

Dallas Police received 371 accident-related calls Monday as ice began accumulating across the state, according to police spokesperson Brian E. Martinez. 

From 7 a.m. Monday to 7 a.m. local time Tuesday, Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) responded to at least 146 motor vehicle accidents. 

Meanwhile, in the broader Dallas-Fort Worth area, MedStar tweeted that emergency medical crews responded to 142 traffic accidents, including 16 rollover crashes, eight patients suffering from hypothermia, and nine patients injured in falls from slipping on ice. 

1,000 flights already canceled as ice and freezing rain affect portions of the South

From CNN's Robert Shackelford

More than 1,000 flights were canceled across the United States Tuesday, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware, as extreme winter weather affects parts of the country.

Nearly 300 flights have been canceled departing Dallas-Fort Worth International and almost 70 flights have been canceled departing Dallas Love Field. Other notable cancellations are over 80 flights departing Austin-Bergstrom International and 45 flights departing Nashville.

The first wave of freezing rain and sleet will begin to weaken after moving through central Tennessee, central Kentucky and southern West Virginia.

Another round of freezing rain and ice will begin throughout much of Texas at daybreak on Tuesday and head to Oklahoma by the mid-morning, and head to Little Rock, Memphis and Nashville through the day Tuesday.

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