Sustained freezing temperatures over the last few days have led to water main breaks in cities across North Texas.
The beginning of the week saw sub-freezing temperatures and some snowfall across much of North and Central Texas. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth (NWS) predicted the frigid temperatures would continue Tuesday across North Texas, with temperatures remaining in the 20s during the day and dropping into the teens overnight, according to the latest update.
Dallas officials worked to repair a water main break at the Woodall Rodgers Freeway service road next to Klyde Warren Park early Tuesday morning. Footage of the break acquired by CBS News Texas shows small rivers of water flowing down a street. The break was reportedly the result of the freezing temperatures.
Officials closed westbound Woodall Rodgers Freeway while crews worked to repair the main, reopening the road hours later. However, drivers in the area should still exercise caution as there may be icy patches along the road.
Fort Worth Water announced in a social media post that emergency crews were working to repair another main break located at Felix Street early this morning, noting that main breaks like this are common in cold weather. A photo posted by the department shows water and patchy ice covering the road.
Residents are advised to be aware of water coming from the streets and to report any main breaks. Weather officials also recommend that homeowners protect their pipes for the duration of the freeze.
“Make sure you continue to drip your indoor faucets during the prolonged sub-freezing temperatures. Check on your loved ones and neighbors, and ensure all pets are indoors,” reads the NWS website. “Temperatures will rise well above freezing late Wednesday morning, resulting in rapid melting across the region.”
Extreme temperatures have impacted the water infrastructure in North Texas during both summer and winter over the past year. Oppressive heat last summer caused water lines in Dallas and Fort Worth to rupture, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
