AUSTIN, Texas — On Friday, the Texas Longhorns will take on the Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Thousands of people are expected to drive north on Interstate 35 on the approximately 200-mile journey from Austin to Arlington on Thursday and Friday. Some of those traveling may want to consider.
WHAT THE WEATHER LOOKS LIKE IN DALLAS
The Dallas area is expecting snow this week, starting early morning on Thursday. Currently, Dallas meteorologists are expecting 2 to 5 inches of snow. Temperatures are expected to stay below or close to freezing in the area all through Thursday and Friday, making a quick thaw unlikely.
The forecast for the entire I-35 corridor between Austin and Dallas will be plagued with either freezing precipitation or heavy cold rain Thursday afternoon.
Temperatures should finally warm up on Saturday, well after game time.
In a statement on Monday, Cotton Bowl Classic officials wouldn’t say if postponing the game was on the table, just that they “always have plans for inclement weather. Should conditions warrant it, we will communicate to everyone attending and connected with this year’s Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.”
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO LEAVE AUSTIN?
In short, the safest time to go is Wednesday. Driving at any other time incurs a risk of difficult or even dangerous road conditions. Two hundred miles is a long time to be driving on snowy or icy roads, and Texas isn’t known for its cold weather infrastructure.
Because wintry precipitation could begin as early as 3 a.m. in the area, there’s no time on Thursday that could avoid it all together.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP
If you are determined to take the trip on Thursday or even Friday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and National Weather Service (NWS) recommend creating an emergency winter supply kit for your car with the following items:
- A snow shovel, snow brush and ice scraper
- Flashlight
- Blankets
- Boots, mittens and warm clothes
- Bags of sand or kitty litter for traction
- Tow rope
- Water and snacks
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Tire chains or snow tires
- Flares
- A flashlight
- A cellphone charger
HOW TO DRIVE IN ICY CONDITIONS
It’s safest to avoid driving when the roads get slick, but it’s still helpful to know some rules in case you’re out on the road:
- Drop speeds down below the speed limit. Those are set at normal weather conditions, not winter weather ones
- Keep three times the typical distance away from another vehicle
- Be cautious on overpasses, ramps and bridges – all areas that tend to freeze first
- If your vehicle begins to slide, the Texas Department of Transportation recommends easing off the gas pedal or brakes and steering into the direction of the skid until the driver regains control
- Avoid using cruise control, which can make it more difficult to control your speed during a skid or emergency
- Keep your tires properly inflated