Winter Weather Awareness Day Comes with a Warning

SAN ANGELO, TX -- Today is Winter Weather Awareness Day according to the National Weather Service Office in San Angelo and area stake holders came together to share information on resources available to prepare for the impact of winter weather.  

NWS San Angelo Warning and Coordination Meteorologist Hector Guerrero and Meteorologist in charge Dr. Steve Lyons joined Department of Public Safety Trooper Sgt. Justin Baker, Texas Department of Transportation Public Information Officer Karen Threlkeld and San Angelo Fire Department Battalion Chief Jay Neely to encourage West Texans to prepare their homes and vehicles for winter weather. 

Dr. Lyons said forecasters are predicting a wetter than normal winter with average temperatures which means there will be some snow and ice events in West Central Texas. 

Threlkeld said,  "Hazardous weather can unexpectedly change from freezing ice to snow to fog in som areas of our region and TxDOT uses every resource available to keep the roads open and passable during winter storms."  

TxDOT uses brine trucks to keep bridges and overpasses from freezing and has snow plows for certain areas.

TxDOT has many ways to check highway conditions: 

• www.drivetexas.org
• Road Conditions Hotline 1-800-452-9292
• on Twitter:   @TxDOTSanAngelo
• TxDOT's Facebook page 

dps says DPS Trooper Baker says don't drive under the influence, don't text and drive and have a disaster kit for your home or when you travel.

The disaster kit should include the following: 

• Cell phone, charger, batteries, battery powered NOAA weather radio
• Blankets
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid Kit
• Knife
• A three day supply of water
• High-calorie, nonperishable food
• Large empty can to use a emergency toilet
• Waterproof matches
• Kitty litter for traction
• Windshield scraper
• Tool kit with rope
• Booster Cables
• Water container
• Compass and road maps
• Extra Cash
• Prescription medicines

Chief Neely says take care of your house as well. Don't overload electrical cords and check smoke alarms.  Use caution with space heaters. 

Information on winter weather safety can also be found at the following links: 

• www.weather.gov/sjt/winterweathersafety
• www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter
• www.drivetexas.org
• www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/ThreatAwareness/winterstorm.htm
• www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies