A Winter Storm Warning is scheduled to take effect at 6 a.m. Thursday for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The National Weather Service says the forecast will continue to be fine-tuned, but the four largest counties in DFW can expect 2-4 inches of snow. Areas to the south and west could receive 1-2 inches, sleet, and up to one-tenth of an inch of ice.
"We encourage all of our residents to take the time to prepare now," Dallas Emergency Management Director Kevin Oden said.
Oden urged homeowners to use the remaining time before the snow to focus on the "four Ps": people, pets, pipes, and plants.
He said residents should check on loved ones, "particularly any elderly or those who have any access or functional needs to ensure they have what they need to be safe and warm." He said people should bring pets inside and cover plants.
Oden urged people to cover exposed pipes, open cabinet doors to let heat reach indoor pipes, and let faucets drip.
The Office of Emergency Management planned to increase staffing on Thursday morning. Oden said the office would coordinate the response among different city departments and adjust plans based on conditions.
"As we've seen and probably will continue to see, conditions can continue to change quickly," he said. "Taking proactive steps can significantly help folks and their families remain safe."
Arlington will host the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Friday night. The Cotton Bowl said it is watching weather reports and has stayed in touch with AT&T Stadium and local officials.
"We always have plans for inclement weather. Should conditions warrant it, we will communicate to everyone attending and connected with this year’s Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic," the organization wrote in an email to KRLD earlier this week.
Oden said cities across the metroplex are planning for a spike in visitors from across Texas and flying in from Ohio.
"We are closely monitoring travel conditions into the city especially as we prepare to host fans and teams for the Cotton Bowl," he said.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube