TEXARKANA – Road conditions across the Texarkana area remain a mixed bag Saturday evening. While major thoroughfares are showing signs of improvement, officials and TXK Today editors are urging caution as temperatures are set to plummet overnight.
Thanks to the tireless work of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), and local city crews, many of the larger roads in the area are in relatively good shape in spots. Plowing and treatment efforts have opened up lanes on main arteries, allowing for some traffic flow.
However, drivers are strongly advised not to let these clear spots create a false sense of security.
Dangerous Conditions Persist Despite the improvements on highways, significant hazards remain across the twin cities:
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Icy Patches: Even on treated roads, black ice and slick spots are appearing unexpectedly.
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Bridges and Overpasses: Elevated surfaces remain extremely treacherous and should be approached with extreme caution.
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Side Roads: Secondary streets, neighborhoods, and rural routes are largely untreated and remain completely ice-covered.
Traffic Incidents Increasing TXK Today staff observing conditions Saturday evening noted a high number of motorists struggling to navigate the conditions. There have been numerous reports of two-wheel-drive vehicles getting stuck, requiring tow-outs, or spinning out in the middle of intersections.
If you do not have a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle, it is highly recommended that you stay off the roads entirely.
Forecast: Conditions to Worsen Overnight The situation is expected to deteriorate as the night progresses. With winter precipitation continuing to fall and temperatures forecasted to drop into the low 20s, any wet pavement is likely to refreeze.
Residents are encouraged to stay home, stay warm, and avoid travel unless it is an absolute emergency.
