Sleet, freezing rain arrives in Wise CountyFree Access

Road conditions began to deteriorate in Wise County Monday afternoon as freezing rain and sleet moved through the county. Wise County is included in a winter storm warning until Thursday. AUSTIN JACKSON/WCMESSENGER

Storms bringing a mixture of sleet and freezing rain began moving through Wise County Monday afternoon, worsening road conditions with temperatures expected to remain under freezing through Wednesday.

Slick roads have already been reported throughout the county, and conditions are expected to deteriorate throughout the evening as more precipitation accumulates.

“Any precipitation that’s touching the ground is basically turning to ice,” said Wise County Emergency Management Coordinator Cody Powell Monday morning.

Wise County is included in a winter storm warning until Thursday. Total ice or sleet accumulations between one tenth and one half of an inch are possible. Icing on bridges and overpasses as well as surface streets is expected, according to the National Weather Service.

A light drizzle created some icy spots on roads Monday morning, with multiple accidents reported.

Several accidents have been reported in Wise County Monday as road conditions continue to deteriorate. COURTESY/RHOME POLICE DEPARTMENT

A wave of sleet and freezing rain started to fall in the afternoon, with more precipitation expected to occur overnight.

“Tomorrow is when more widespread and higher precipitation amounts are possible,” Powell said.

Oncor is currently reporting zero power outages in Wise County, with 700 customers out in its entire service area.

After dismissing early on Monday, all Wise County schools will be closed Tuesday. Wise County offices and the City of Decatur will also be closed Tuesday. Powell said entities will evaluate closure decisions for Wednesday on Tuesday afternoon.

For an updated list of weather-related closures, visit: www.wcmessenger.com/articles/weather-related-cancelations/

“If you don’t have to get out stay home, but if you do get out give yourself plenty of time to and from your destination,” said Decatur Police Chief Delvon Campbell.