With a severe blast of winter weather expected to sweep across North Texas this weekend, KRLD Chief Meteorologist Dan Brounoff is urging residents to finish travel plans early and be safely home and hunkered down by 9 p.m. Friday night.
Brounoff said rapidly deteriorating conditions after sunset could make travel dangerous as freezing temperatures, ice and possible snow move into the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He warned that what may look manageable earlier in the evening could quickly turn hazardous once roads begin icing over.
“Once we get past Friday evening, conditions can change fast,” Brounoff said during KRLD StormCenter coverage. “The safest plan is to be where you intend to stay for the night by 9 p.m. and avoid unnecessary travel after that.”
Forecast models show a sharp temperature drop Friday night, with precipitation expected to freeze on contact with roads, bridges and overpasses. Even light ice accumulation can make driving treacherous, particularly in areas not treated ahead of time.
Emergency officials across the region are preparing for the possibility of slick roads, accidents and power outages as the storm unfolds. Drivers are urged to give road crews time to work and to stay off the roads unless travel is essential.
Brounoff also encouraged listeners to use Friday daytime hours to prepare at home by securing supplies, charging devices and checking on neighbors who may need assistance. He said staying put during the height of the storm reduces risk not only for drivers, but for first responders as well.
KRLD StormCenter coverage will continue throughout the weekend with frequent updates on storm timing, road conditions and safety guidance. Listeners can tune in on NewsRadio 1080 KRLD, ask smart speakers to play KRLD, or stream coverage through the Audacy app.
As winter weather moves in, meteorologists and emergency managers agree that preparation and patience will be key. Being home early Friday night could make the difference between a long weekend indoors and a dangerous night on icy roads.
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