During Tuesday’s once-in-a-generation snowstorm in Houston, the snow that had melted on the ground froze overnight, causing deadly black ice patches to form on the roads.
Officials from the county and city are urging residents to avoid the main thoroughfares on Wednesday. According to Houston Transtar, patches of ice were reported to be present on more than 50 roads Wednesday morning.
By 7 a.m. Wednesday, icy conditions have hampered portions of key roadways in Houston, such as Interstate 10, Interstate 45, and Interstate 610. According to the National Weather Service, roadways that seem wet may actually be icy, and bridges and high surfaces may freeze more quickly.
With wind chill values as low as 10 degrees, the meteorological service issued an extreme cold warning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and it will remain in effect until 9 a.m. on Wednesday.
Driving on roads can be hazardous when black ice is present since it can appear translucent on the ground.
RELATED: An extreme cold warning is in effect for the Houston area. Wednesday morning and Tuesday evening
According to a news statement issued by the county’s office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Monday night, several significant accidents have been reported around Harris County.
Due to ice that has been caked on the ground by temperatures as low as 18 degrees, drivers are advised to avoid the roads until Wednesday morning.
