Breckenridge Texan

The National Weather Service shows a very slight chance of precipitation in the Breckenridge area through about 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, and that, combined with the low temperatures could lead to some hazardous driving conditions. But, the Texas Department of Transportation has been looking ahead and has already pre-treated some of the roadways with a brine solution.

“It’s basically salt and water that they put in the tanks on the back of our trucks and spray it onto the roads,” said Andrew Carlson, public information officer with TxDOT’s Brownwood District, which includes Stephens County. “It helps prevent any ice and snow from actually sticking to the pavement, so they can come back with a snow plow afterwards. It’s a lot easier to remove.”

In dry conditions, the solution that is sprayed onto the roads will last at least three or four days, he said. Rain will wash it away within a day or two.

Although the chances of bad weather are slight, there could be some rain or rain mixed with sleet or snow. Carlson said the chance of precipitation is so low that TxDOT isn’t expecting a major impact on the roadways.

According to the NWS Forecast Office in Fort Worth, the temperatures in Breckenridge are expected to remain below 40 throughout the day, dropping into the 20s overnight. Friday’s temperature will slowly warm up to about 56 before dropping back down to below freezing. Warmer weather – in the 60s – is predicted to return Saturday and continue through the end of next week.

The NWS warns that outdoor plants could be damaged by the freezing temperatures and encourages residents to ensure that outdoor pets or livestock are tended to and can be kept warm through the overnight hours.

TxDOT roadway conditions statewide are available at DriveTexas.org or by calling 1-800-452-9292. The Brownwood District Twitter feed (@TxDOTBWD) will be updated as road conditions change. Other TxDOT Twitter feeds and the TxDOT Facebook page are also valuable resources for travel conditions across the state.

More winter weather travel information is available on the TxDOT website.