Winter Storm Enzo has largely shut down Texas as heavy snowfall and ice pour in across the state. Large swaths of the state have been slowed by impassable travel, with some areas experiencing airport closures and canceled flights, while roads remain hazardous. Officials are telling residents to prepare for prolonged impacts as the storm intensifies.
Snowfall in Texas is a rare occurrence, and Winter Storm Enzo has covered major cities like Dallas and Austin with several inches of snow. Some areas are expected to get up to 8 inches, a lot for the state that isn’t used to such winter weather.
It said that the National Weather Service had issued winter storm warnings across vast portions of Texas, asking people to postpone nonsensical traveling and prepare to face freezing temperatures.
The storm has dragged its claws on air travel. Several airports shut their operations temporarily because it is not safe to continue operating. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport have been entirely disrupted by icy runways and poor visibility that led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights.
Companies like American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines have started issuing travel waivers to let passengers reschedule a new flight within a certain period without any penalty.
Safety is our top priority,” said a spokesperson for DFW. “We are working around the clock to clear runways and get travelers in safe conditions as soon as possible.”
Hundreds of flights canceled, stranding thousands of passengers who are pouring into social media to share complaints about how long it takes to rebook and the agonizing waits in line.
“One has been stuck here at the airport for 12 hours with no clear updates-it’s been chaos,” one traveler tweeted. Travelers were hit by another source of disruption – Amtrak suspended some services in the region as well.
Icy roads and multiple accidents caused by the storm have made driving hazardous. According to reports, the Texas Department of Transportation crews have been salting and sanding roads, but officials have already warned that things may get worse as temperatures drop further.
Power outages have also been reported in some parts of the state. The icy conditions affect the power lines. Energy providers are working on restoring electricity, but residents are advised to prepare for potential blackouts.
Preparation and Safety Tips
The officials are urging residents to take precautions, including:
- Staying off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary.
- Stocking up on essential supplies like food, water, and batteries.
- Keeping pets indoors and ensuring they have adequate warmth.
- Monitoring local weather updates for the latest advisories.
Meteorologists anticipate that Winter Storm Enzo will continue to batter Texas for the next 48 hours before moving east. States in the storm’s path include Louisiana and Mississippi. These states prepare for the possibility of snow and freezing rain.
A record winter storm for Texas, Enzo, came to a stop, as it brought millions across the state, snowfall and freezing temperatures and massive travel disruptions in its wake. There are more struggles ahead as rare winter conditions paralyze the state officials and residents have warned. People traveling should update information stay patient and also safe as storm effects continue to occur.
