Are North Texas roads safe to drive on right now? As of January 26, 2026, a brutal winter storm has left Dallas-Fort Worth area highways and streets coated in compacted ice, sleet, and black ice conditions remain hazardous despite ongoing treatment efforts, with officials urging non-essential travel to stay off roads.
North Texas Current Conditions (Dallas & Fort Worth Focus)
A weekend storm dumped 1-2 inches of sleet across DFW, freezing overnight into a stubborn, compacted layer on major routes like I-20, I-35E, SH 114, and the Dallas North Tollway. Bridges, overpasses, and ramps (e.g., Woodall Rodgers in Dallas) refreeze fastest, with black ice lurking under thin melts. Temps hover below freezing through Tuesday (wind chills 0 to -10°F), slowing plows and limiting de-icer effectiveness no quick thaw in sight, as nights dip back into teens. TxDOT and NTTA report one lane passable on most interstates, but side streets, neighborhoods, and untreated surfaces stay slick; watch for downed lines and trees.
Dallas: High Five interchange and I-635 treacherous; SH 114 in Grapevine just reopened but icy.
Fort Worth: I-20 westbound slow at 30 mph (half speed limit); Tarrant County ramps dicey.
Extreme cold warning persists little improvement until mid-week.
2026 USA Driving Law Updates Impacting TX
New hands-free cell laws hit TX harder: $200+ fines for handheld use, plus points. Automated cameras expand on I-35, Dallas tollways. “Slow down/move over” rules tighten for tow trucks/plows amid storm chaos—violations now carry license suspensions.
Regional Risk Breakdown
| Area | Primary Hazards | Status & Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Core (I-35, I-30) | Black ice, compacted sleet | Partially treated; 20-30 mph max |
| Fort Worth (I-20, I-820) | Ramps/bridges, side streets | Slow progress; avoid if possible |
| Suburbs (Plano, Arlington) | Neighborhood ice, low visibility | Worst stay home |
| Airports (DFW, Love Field) | Taxiways/ramps frozen | Delays; ground transport risky |
Essential Safety Steps
- Drive defensively: Triple following distance (8-10 seconds); no sudden moves brake early, gently.
- Vehicle check: Winter tires or chains if mandated; full tank, kit (blanket, water, sand for traction).
- Apps & alerts: DriveTexas.org, Waze, TxDOT 511 for live cams/closures. NOAA for refreeze warnings.
- If stranded: Stay in car, run heat sparingly, signal flares.
- Alternatives: Work remote, rideshares (if operating), or delay until Wednesday thaw.
Roads aren’t “safe” yet fatality risks spike 3x on ice. Only essential trips; reschedule the rest. For hyper-local updates (e.g., your ZIP), check DriveTexas or local news.
FAQs
Are Dallas-Fort Worth roads safe right now?
No conditions remain hazardous with compacted sleet, black ice on major routes like I-35, I-20, and tollways. TxDOT reports partial treatments, but bridges and ramps refreeze overnight; side streets are worst. Only essential travel until mid-week thaw.
How long will North Texas ice last?
Through Tuesday at least, with sub-freezing temps (wind chills near 0°F) slowing melt. Expect improvement by Wednesday as highs climb above 32°F, but nights stay risky.
Which roads are most dangerous in Dallas?
High Five (I-635/US-75), Woodall Rodgers ramps, I-30 overpasses—black ice hides under thin melt. Neighborhoods in Oak Lawn, Uptown untreated.
Fort Worth road updates?
I-20 westbound and SH 114 ramps slickest; I-820 partial plowing. Stockyards area and suburbs like Arlington see lingering sleet on low-traffic streets.
Should I drive to DFW Airport or Love Field?
Avoid if possible taxiways icy, ground delays common. Rideshares limited; park and wait out storm.
What are 2026 Texas winter driving laws?
Hands-free cell only ($200+ fines), expanded speed cameras on I-35/tollways, stricter “move over” for plows (suspensions possible). No cruise control on ice.
How do I drive safely on North Texas ice?
- Triple following distance (8-10 seconds).
- Brake gently, no sudden turns steer into skids.
- Slow to 20-30 mph max; headlights on.
- Avoid bridges/overpasses first to freeze.
Vehicle prep checklist for DFW winter?
- Tires: >4/32″ tread, proper pressure.
- Kit: Blanket, water, snacks, sand/cat litter, flares, charger.
- Full tank; check battery/wipers/fluids.
- Clean ice off mirrors/windows fully.
What if I skid or get stranded?
Ease off gas, steer toward skid direction to regain control. Stranded: Stay in car, hazards on, call 911 or #999 (NTTA). Run heat briefly; conserve fuel.
Best apps for real-time North Texas updates?
DriveTexas.org (TxDOT cams/closures), Waze/Google Maps (user reports), 511 app. NOAA weather for refreeze alerts.
Alternatives to driving in Dallas-Fort Worth?
Remote work, DART (limited service), Uber (spotty), or delay trips. Major employers urging stay-home through Tuesday.
Kids/schools impact on roads?
Most Dallas ISD, Fort Worth ISD closed/extended remote fewer school buses, but watch parent traffic on untreated streets.