Texas Ice Storm Forces Drivers to Reverse and Drive Against Traffic on Woodall Rodgers Freeway in Dallas
DALLAS, TEXAS — Dangerous wintry conditions caused chaos on the Woodall Rodgers Freeway late Saturday night, forcing drivers to reverse and travel in both directions along the same lanes as freezing precipitation coated the roadway with ice around 11 p.m., according to video and eyewitness reports.
Footage captured near the downtown Dallas stretch of the freeway shows multiple vehicles stuck, sliding, or attempting to turn around as traction vanished and visibility dropped. Several drivers were seen carefully backing up or navigating against normal traffic flow in an effort to escape the icy conditions.
Ice Quickly Overwhelms Major Dallas Freeway
The incident occurred as a wave of freezing rain and sleet moved through North Texas, rapidly icing elevated roadways and bridges. The Woodall Rodgers Freeway, which runs through the heart of Dallas and connects several major highways, became especially hazardous due to its elevation and exposure.
Drivers reported that even low speeds were difficult to maintain as tires lost grip almost instantly. In the video, headlights reflect off a solid sheet of ice, while vehicles struggle to climb slight inclines or come to controlled stops.
Vehicles Forced to Improvise as Conditions Deteriorate
As conditions worsened, some motorists made the risky decision to reverse or travel the wrong direction to avoid collisions or being stranded. Traffic appeared to slow to a crawl, with several cars stopping entirely while others attempted to maneuver around them.
Emergency lights from service vehicles could be seen in the distance, but the ice buildup limited how quickly help could reach the scene. No serious injuries were immediately reported, though officials warned that even minor accidents could become dangerous in such conditions.
Officials Urge Drivers to Stay Off Icy Roads
Local authorities and weather officials urged residents to avoid travel during the storm, particularly on elevated roadways like overpasses and freeways. Even treated roads can become impassable when freezing rain outpaces road crews.
North Texas was under winter weather advisories as the storm system moved through, with temperatures hovering near freezing and additional ice accumulation possible overnight.
A Reminder of How Quickly Conditions Can Turn Dangerous
The situation on the Woodall Rodgers Freeway highlights how rapidly winter weather can overwhelm major urban infrastructure in Texas, where ice events are less common but often more disruptive.
Officials stressed that if drivers encounter icy conditions, the safest choice is to slow down, avoid sudden movements, and exit the roadway when possible rather than attempting risky maneuvers. Residents were encouraged to monitor weather updates closely and delay travel until conditions improve.
