Out of an abundance of caution, the North Texas Tollway Authority has brined elevated surfaces. The countdown to winterize homes is on at hardware stores.
PLANO, Texas — It doesn’t happen often in North Texas, but when there’s a potential for winter-like weather, preparation is key.
On Friday, highway crews with the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) spent the day putting down brine on elevated surfaces ahead of Monday’s freezing weather.
Media Relations Manager for NTTA Michael Key said the organization is prepared for a full-scale event out of an abundance of caution.
“It’s a precaution, we’re planning for the worst and hoping for the best,” Key said. “We do everything in our power, there are always icy roads in these circumstances. We depend on drivers to not go out if they don’t have to.”
Texas Department of Transportation said crews applied brine on roads, bridges, and overpasses Friday so that they would be ready for the freezing temperatures.
Plano residents began pouring into Elliott’s Hardware Friday afternoon to stock up on supplies.
Alan Silva, a customer service specialist, helped people secure everything from faucet protectors to plant covers.
“I would start Saturday afternoon and make sure you walk your property,” Silva said. “Anything that has water or water runs through it, you really need to be aware of and be careful with. It can cost a lot of damage and money if you’re not prepared.”
The Texas Department of Insurance recommends preparing your home by covering outdoor pipes or indoor pipes that don’t have access to heat. You should remove any water hoses and turn off your sprinkler system. Inside the home, open your sink cabinets and let your indoor faucets drip before you go to bed. If your pipes freeze, turn off the water at the shutoff valve, TDI says.
Meanwhile, ERCOT is closely monitoring the winter weather conditions moving into Texas next week. Grid conditions are expected to be normal. You can view real-time and future grid conditions here.