Ice and freezing rain have settled into North Texas - and City of Arlington crews are working hard to treat major Arlington thoroughfares. The Texas Department of Transportation is managing highways and interstates - which include Cooper Street, Pioneer Parkway, Collins and Division in Arlington. TxDOT is reporting the closure of the exit ramp of southbound Hwy 360 to eastbound I-20. Oncor reports approximately 12,000 customers are without power in Arlington - outage information can be found here. Crews have been brought in from several power companies to assist in restoration efforts.

According to the National Weather Service, we have received sleet and ice accumulation of 0.5″ - 1.5″ in North Texas. Stay off the road as much as possible and use extreme caution when travel is necessary. There are significant travel disruptions throughout the City and some power impacts along the I-20 and I-30 corridors.

Temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing until Sunday afternoon.

Here is a look at the City of Arlington's strategy for sanding roads during winter weather conditions:

• Winter Weather Sanding (pdf)
• Northeast Sector (pdf)
• Northwest Sector (pdf)
• Southeast Sector (pdf)
• Southwest Sector (pdf)

For any major, state-maintained thoroughfares in Arlington, such as SH-360, SH-157 and SH-303, visit the Texas Department of Transportation website.

Click here to watch Arlington traffic webcams.

Winter Weather Driving

About 70 percent of winter deaths related to snow and ice occur in automobiles. Consider public transportation if you must travel. If you travel by car, travel in the day and don't travel alone. Keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads; avoid back-road shortcuts.

Here are some other winter driving tips:

1. Winterize your automobile: this includes a check on the battery, antifreeze, wipers, windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster, oil level, and tires. Consider snow tires, snow tires with studs, or chains. Keep your car's gas tank full.

2. Store a "winter car kit" in the trunk of your car. The kit should include items such as a shovel, windshield scraper, battery powered or hand cranked radio, flashlight with extra batteries, water, snack food, mittens, hat, blanket, tow chain or rope, tire chains, bag of road salt and sand, florescent distress flag, booster cables, road maps, emergency flares, cellular telephone or two-way radio.

3. If you become stranded in your car:

• Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial window.
• Remain in your vehicle where public safety workers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful: Distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close but be too far to walk to in freezing temperatures or deep snow.
• Run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.
• Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
• Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs (the use of lights, heat and radio).
• At night, turn on the inside light so work crews or rescuers can see you. If stranded in a remote area, spread a large cloth over the snow to attract attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by air.