LUFKIN – A winter weather advisory has been issued that includes the nine-county Lufkin District of the Texas Department of Transportation and could bring sleet and/or snow to the area early Wednesday.

TxDOT crews are alert to conditions that could develop after midnight and are ready to treat overpasses, bridges and highways. Weather statements issued are predicting less than one-quarter of an inch of sleet, while snow accumulations could vary from one to three inches.

TxDOT crews will be applying rock or salt to any freezing roads. Drivers should be cautious and alert if they must drive during early morning hours Wednesday. Bridges and overpasses are the first to freeze and elevated surfaces can become dangerous driving hazards once they are covered with ice or snow.

TxDOT crews have continually monitored and treated frozen roadways and icy patches in all nine counties of the district since Sunday.

“Our crews will be working throughout this weather event to keep roadways open and passable,” said Rhonda Oaks, TxDOT public information officer. “Caution is advised, especially on bridges and overpasses. If drivers encounter TxDOT vehicles or employees treating frozen areas, please slow down and give them room. Safety is the most important ingredient to reaching your destination.”

TxDOT provides these safety tips for driving in ice or snow:

·         Always wear your seatbelt.

·         Reduce speed and do not use cruise control.

·         Increase your following distance to allow time to stop and remain 200 feet from road crews.

·         If your vehicle starts to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes and steer into the direction of the skid.
 

Road conditions are available at drivetexas.org, with updates on Facebook.com/txdot or Twitter.com/TxDOTLufkin.