‘Ice Friday’ bears down on Texas, much of Midwest

Traffic slowly moves along an ice covered highway Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, in Dallas.  Winter storm and ice warnings are in effect through much of today for parts of six states in the Midwest, including Texas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.
Traffic slowly moves along an ice covered highway Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, in Dallas. Winter storm and ice warnings are in effect through much of today for parts of six states in the Midwest, including Texas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.

DALLAS — As snow and freezing rain blanketed normally sun-swept North Texas, residents accustomed to warmer temperatures appeared to heed warnings on what one hardware store manager called “Ice Friday,” staying off nearly impassable roadways and out of a skin-stinging cold.

Earlier this week, many in Texas were basking in spring-like temperatures hitting the 80s. But by Thursday, Texas was facing the same wintry blast that’s hitting much of the U.S., bringing frigid temperatures, ice and snow.

Freezing rain started to pelt highways and power lines Thursday evening, leaving a quarter-million customers without electricity Friday morning. Schools canceled classes a day before, many businesses gave workers the day off, and frigid roads and sidewalks were mostly empty.

Read more in Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

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