How Prepared is Texas for Snowy Streets and Harsh Winter Weather?

As a native northerner, I have heard countless times the differences in how the Midwest handles winter weather as compared to the south. Sure, you have some drastic measures taken in the northern states that some in Texas may not be used to, but it’s really due to—surprise, surprise—the weather!

I hear all the time how Texans are bad at driving in the snow. First off, driving during any dangerous weather condition is difficult. Also, even if there is an element of ignorance, it’s not like Texas gets a lot of snow to practice. So, when the Lone Star State DOES get some snow or ice, how prepared is it to ensure drivers safely make it to their destinations?

WFAA recently asked this question, and what they found was… interesting, to say the least. It turns out that Texas has a total of 500 snow plows. Is it just me who thinks this number is way too low?

To put this into perspective, my home state of Wisconsin, which is nearly a fifth the size of Texas, has 754 snow plows.

Dallas currently has over 100 pieces of various equipment for removing snow and ice from roadways during harsh winter weather like snowplows and dump trucks. The Cities of Denton and Lewisville have a combined 21 snow plows between them, and Lubbock has at least five plows ready to be deployed (plow attachments, that is).

Of course, the most common way that Texas prepares for harsh weather is by adding a saltwater mixture and/or sand to the streets to prevent ice buildup.

In fact, Fort Worth crews pretreat their roads with the saltwater up to 48 hours in advance of forecasted storms.

Other cities like Plano do not have any snowplows. Instead, they have other heavy equipment that can move snow drifts if needed. This is because Plano doesn’t get a lot of snow accumulation to warrant legitimate snowplows, WFAA says.

So, the next time you are travelling during harsh winter weather, just remember to go slow, keep your lights on, and trust in the integrity of Texas road crews.