Black Ice and Freezing Fog Create High-Risk Overnight Travel Conditions Across North and Central Texas
TEXAS — A dangerous combination of black ice and freezing fog is expected to develop overnight across North and Central Texas, creating what forecasters warn could be the most hazardous travel period of this entire winter event. Temperatures dropping back below freezing, combined with lingering moisture and low cloud cover, will allow ice to form rapidly on roadways, bridges, and overpasses — often without visible warning.
Why Tonight Poses a Serious Travel Threat
As temperatures fall below freezing late tonight, black ice will form on untreated roads, especially in areas that saw melting during the day. At the same time, freezing fog is expected to develop after midnight, reducing visibility and depositing a thin glaze of ice on exposed surfaces.
Freezing fog differs from standard fog because it freezes instantly on contact, coating roads, sidewalks, and vehicles with ice. This can occur even when precipitation is not actively falling, making conditions deceptive and extremely dangerous.
Timing and Duration of the Hazard
Forecast data indicates freezing fog may persist through the early morning hours, with some areas not seeing improvement until after 10 a.m. The combination of low visibility and ice-covered pavement means early morning commutes could be treacherous, particularly before sunrise.
This extended duration increases the risk of accidents as drivers may assume conditions have improved when hazards are still present.
Areas Most at Risk
The highest risk zones include North Texas and parts of Central Texas, including the DFW Metroplex and surrounding counties. Rural roadways, elevated surfaces, bridges, and shaded areas will be especially vulnerable, as these locations cool faster and remain icy longer. Even roads that appear merely wet may be slick with nearly invisible ice, offering little traction when braking or turning.
Why This May Be the Most Dangerous Period of the Event
Forecasters warn that this overnight window could be more dangerous than periods with falling snow or sleet, because drivers may not anticipate the conditions. The lack of obvious precipitation combined with freezing fog creates a false sense of safety, increasing the likelihood of crashes.
Once freezing fog forms, conditions can deteriorate rapidly within minutes.
Safety Recommendations for Residents
Residents are strongly urged to avoid overnight and early morning travel if possible. If travel is unavoidable:
- Reduce speed significantly
- Increase following distance
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns
- Use low-beam headlights in fog
- Be especially cautious on bridges and overpasses
Those who can delay travel until late morning should do so.
What to Expect After Morning Hours
Improvement is expected later in the morning as temperatures rise above freezing and fog begins to lift. However, patchy icy spots may linger in shaded or rural areas even after conditions appear to improve. Drivers should remain cautious throughout the day, especially in locations that receive limited sunlight.
Stay alert, stay patient, and stay informed as this high-risk weather unfolds. For continued updates and local impact coverage, follow SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
