North Dallas Officials Warn Against Travel as Ice Threat Lingers

North Dallas officials continue to urge Preston Hollow and Park Cities residents to avoid unnecessary travel as melted snow and ice are expected to refreeze overnight, creating potentially treacherous driving conditions through Thursday morning.

The warning comes as temperatures that climbed above freezing during Wednesday’s daylight hours allowed some snow and ice to melt on roadways, sidewalks, and parking lots throughout Highland Park, University Park, and Preston Hollow. However, forecasters expect temperatures to drop below freezing again Wednesday night, turning any standing water back into ice.

“We’re asking residents to continue exercising extreme caution and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary,” said a Dallas transportation department spokesperson. “What may look like a clear road during the day can become a skating rink by morning.”

The overnight refreeze poses particular challenges for the tree-lined residential streets common throughout Preston Hollow’s established neighborhoods, where limited sunlight during the day means ice and snow may not have melted completely. Many of these areas, including sections along Preston Road and in the affluent neighborhoods north of Royal Lane, experienced significant ice accumulation during the initial winter weather event.

Highland Park and University Park officials have been coordinating closely with Dallas County and state transportation authorities to monitor road conditions. The Park Cities’ compact size and well-maintained infrastructure typically provide advantages during winter weather events, but the sustained cold temperatures have created challenges even for these well-resourced communities.

Local emergency services report they have responded to multiple weather-related incidents since the winter weather began, including vehicle accidents and power-related calls. Highland Park Department of Public Safety crews have been working around the clock to monitor conditions and respond to emergencies, while University Park police have increased patrols in areas known to be problematic during icy conditions.

The prolonged nature of this winter weather event has tested the coordination between local jurisdictions in ways similar to other regional challenges facing North Dallas communities. Much like recent discussions about regional cooperation in Politics & Government, the ice storm has highlighted the importance of inter-municipal coordination in emergency response.

Business owners throughout the Preston Center area and along Northwest Highway have been particularly affected by the extended travel advisories. Many retail establishments and restaurants that serve the Preston Hollow community have remained closed or operated with limited hours as both employees and customers have heeded official warnings to stay off the roads.

NorthPark Center, a major shopping destination for Preston Hollow residents, announced modified hours and urged shoppers to check conditions before attempting to visit. The mall’s management has been working with Dallas transportation officials to ensure safe access once travel conditions improve.

School districts serving the area, including Highland Park ISD and Dallas ISD schools in the Preston Hollow area, have remained closed as administrators monitor both road conditions and building safety. Highland Park ISD officials indicated they are taking a cautious approach, prioritizing student and staff safety over resuming normal schedules.

The winter weather has also impacted local government operations. While essential services continue, many routine municipal functions have been suspended. The timing has meant that various civic activities and Park Cities and Dallas leaders’ collaborative efforts have been temporarily disrupted as officials focus on emergency response and public safety.

Transportation officials emphasize that even when main thoroughfares like Central Expressway, the Dallas North Tollway, and LBJ Freeway appear clear, entrance and exit ramps may still harbor dangerous ice patches. This is particularly relevant for Preston Hollow residents who rely on these major arteries for commuting to downtown Dallas or other parts of the metroplex.

Utility crews have been working to restore power to areas that lost electricity during the storm, though most of Preston Hollow and the Park Cities have maintained relatively stable power service thanks to underground power lines in many neighborhoods. Oncor crews have prioritized any remaining outages in residential areas, particularly those affecting elderly residents or families with young children.

Local grocery stores that have managed to stay open report increased demand for essential items, though supply chain disruptions caused by the weather have created temporary shortages of some products. Store managers are asking customers to be patient and considerate of others when shopping for necessities.

Weather forecasters indicate that while temperatures may rise slightly during Thursday’s daylight hours, another round of freezing conditions is possible Thursday night into Friday morning. This pattern of melting and refreezing creates the most dangerous driving conditions, as black ice can form on surfaces that appear to be clear.

Emergency management officials stress that even experienced drivers can find themselves in trouble when encountering unexpected ice patches. They recommend that anyone who must travel should inform others of their route and expected arrival time, keep emergency supplies in their vehicle, and be prepared to turn around if conditions deteriorate.

The extended winter weather event serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness for North Dallas residents, even in communities known for their excellent municipal services and infrastructure. Officials plan to conduct after-action reviews once normal conditions return to identify any areas for improvement in future emergency response efforts.

Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring official communications from their respective municipalities and to avoid travel until local officials give the all-clear for normal driving conditions.