BURNET, Texas (KXAN) – With colder temperatures moving across Texas, local and state agencies are gearing up for winter weather.
“It is kind of scary, it is mother nature after all,” said Michael Jamail, who was driving through Marble Falls.
Jamail said he has been watching the weather forecast all week and is not a fan of the colder temperatures.
”We live in Texas, we don’t live in the North,” Jamail said. “There is a reason we live in Texas.”
While freezing temperatures are rare in Central Texas, they do happen. When it does freeze, local communities have to be ready.
In Burnet County, emergency management coordinator Derek Marchio said he’s been watching the weather all week.
”Folks are going to be on standby, driving around checking for any slick spots, as well as our state partners TxDOT,” Marchio said.
TxDOT crews have been preparing all week, you might have seen them driving around and treating the roads with brine on Wednesday.
More than 2,000 TxDOT employees were deployed to treat roads, bridges and overpasses across the state, Gov. Greg Abbott said in a news conference Wednesday. He said TxDOT is continuing to work with state and local partners to provide additional support on major highways and corridors.
”Brine solution really helps prevent ice from forming on the road, but if it is really freezing, if there is a lot of winter weather there could still be some ice on the road,” said TxDOT spokesperson Adam Hammons.
While the major roads become a priority in major weather event, Burnet County said it has local resources that can help too.
”Our precinct road and bridge crews are capable of putting down a little bit of brine and sand, so we do have some of the tools to be able to help out,” Marchio said.
Jamail said being prepared is key to staying safe during winter weather, and that’s why he will be checking the weather before he heads out on the roads.
”I think it is about knowing what is going to happen and being prepared for it as best we can,” Jamail said.
Some school districts in Central Texas have adjusted schedules on Thursday, Jan. 9, due to winter weather, you can click here to see the full list of delays or cancellations.
Erica Pauda contributed to this report
