Texas road conditions map live | Check for icy roads

HOUSTON — An Arctic blast is expected to cause hazardous driving conditions across Texas this week.

In the Houston area, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch that goes into effect Monday evening and lasts through Tuesday afternoon. Winter precipitation, including freezing rain, snow and sleet are possible. This could create dangerous driving conditions.

Ahead of the expected winter weather, many roads were treated with a brine solution to help prevent them from icing over.

If you’re planning on hitting the roads during the winter weather we expect, the Texas Department of Transportation has a statewide map showing road conditions.

If you have to be on the road, AAA offers these tips for driving in wintry weather.

• Drive slowly 
• Stay at least five car lengths behind vehicles in front of you. 
• If you hit a patch of ice, don’t panic and slam on the breaks. Once you get past the ice, your vehicle will regain traction.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface, such as on ice and snow.
• If you have an accident, call for help and stay in your vehicle.

“In a situation like this, you have to remain patient. That is why we recommend that you have an emergency kit inside your vehicle. A blanket non-perishable snacks and some water,” said Joshua Zuber, a spokesperson for AAA.

• Also keep other cold-weather gear in your car, including warm clothing, gloves and a hat, a flashlight, a window scraper, spray to melt ice on your windshield, a phone charger and jumper cables. 

You can find a list of other important items on the AAA Texas website.

Two parts of your vehicle to check before you hit the road include car battery and your tire pressure and tread.

“Making sure you have the right equipment in your car is vital,” AAA Texas spokesperson Daniel Armbruster says many stranded motorists suffer from a common problem.

“Dead batteries are one of the top roadside emergencies we see during winter storm, cold weather it can make it difficult for an older battery, or one that’s not up to par, to start a vehicle,” Armbruster said.

“Flat tires are another top call we see for roadside emergencies…Make sure you have enough tread, you can take a quarter, turn it upside down in the tread groove, put it in there, if the top of [George] Washington’s head is exposed, you need new tires,” Armbruster adds.

The minutes spent checking your car may save you from waiting on roadside help.

“We do see an increase in call volume for these types of situations, its important if you do get out, be patient if you get into an emergency. Certainly, cold weather is nothing to take lightly,” he said.