Deadly Ice Storm Triggers Pileups, Travel Nightmare in Southern Plains
Winter Storm Mara's icy side is creating serious travel problems for parts of the Southern Plains, including some big cities in Texas. Here is the latest on how the winter storm is impacting millions.
Conditions Expected to Worsen in Parts of Texas
“Driving conditions around the state due to the weather that we’re seeing are very dangerous," Texas Department of Transportation Director Marc Williams said in a news conference moments ago. “Not only are they dangerous but they’re also very dynamic.” Williams said crashes have happened in several locations, including around the Dallas metroplex and in more rural areas. A state trooper investigating a crash was injured and transported to a hospital. Conditions are expected to worsen. “We continue to be in the middle of an event that we expect to extend for another 24 - 36 hours," he said.
Huge Backup On I-40 In Eastern Arkansas
Vehicles are backed up 15 miles on Interstate 40 near Jeanette, Arkansas, in an area that drivers are being asked to avoid. The Arkansas Department of Transportation is advising drivers to stay off of I-40 westbound between Forrest City, Arkansas, and Memphis.
The city of Paris, Tennessee, says power is out in the downtown area due to downed trees and power lines "Please avoid the downtown area if at all possible to allow for restoration in this area. If you must travel, use extreme caution," a social media post from the city said. Paris is about 87 miles northwest of Nashville.
Airport Delays Mount
More than 500 flights to or from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport are canceled, according to online tracker FlightAware, and more than 125 flights are canceled at Dallas-Love Field. More than 150 were canceled at Austin's international airport.
Southwest Airlines has the most cancellations and delays, followed by American. Southwest is waiving change fees at several airports for travel today and tomorrow, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Memphis and Oklahoma City. American is waiving change fees for flights out of Dallas Fort Worth.
We recognize the severe impact that current conditions are having on our customers, and we are committed to restoring service levels as quickly as possible. As a result of these weather issues, the ALG Client Service Team will send daily updates as we monitor the progress and track job level impact.