Section 3: Winter Storm Stage Definitions
Winter Storm Stage Definitions
Uniform Terminology
Stage 1
- Based on weather forecasts, TxDOT is monitoring conditions and/or pretreating bridges, overpasses, and other problem areas.
- Treating roadways as needed based on weather conditions.
Stage 2
- Snow and/or ice collecting on bridges and/or roadway surfaces, plowing and/or treatment may be taking place.
- Starting to focus response on major roadways as storm gets worse.
- District is identifying possible additional local resources needed and notifying them. (Local governments, other district personnel, possible contractors.)
Stage 3
- Snow and/or ice accumulating on roadways to the point where all district resources are being utilized for plowing and/or treating.
- Encouraging the public to stay off the roadway or to seek shelter.
- Preparing for potential major road closures.
- Continuing to focus on major roadways and identifying potential additional resources needed while coordinating with the Maintenance Division and other districts.
Stage 4
- Major roadways are becoming impassible.
- Implementing major roadway closure plans.
- Directing the public to stay off the roadway and seek shelter.
- Focusing all available resources on clearing major roadways to a condition where they can be re-opened.
- Activating coordination plans with Maintenance Division and other districts for additional resources.
Clean-Up Stage
- Roadway conditions are beginning to improve.
- Clearing major roadways, then minor roadways until all roadways are clear.
Based on weather conditions and duration, all stages may not be used and may overlap. Districts are encouraged to plan ahead.
Ice and Snow Message Library For Message Signs
DMS - 15 Character Messages (Stage 1-5)
DMS | Primary | Alternate 1 | Alternate 2 | Alternate 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | Icy Conditions May Exist | Icy Conditions May Exist | Winter Weather Advisory | Winter Weather Warning |
Phase 2 | Drive With Caution | Watch For Road Crews | Drive With Caution | Drive With Caution |
DMS | Alternate 4 | Alternate 5 | Alternate 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | Snow and Icy Conditions May Exist | Ice Prevention Operations Ahead | Bridges Freeze Before Roads |
Phase 2 | Watch For Road Crews | Watch For Road Crews | Reduce Speed Drive With Caution |
Alternate 2 or 3 should follow the national weather service conditions. Phase 2 messages can be interchangeable as needed.
DMS | Primary | Alternate 1 | Alternate 2 | Alternate 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | Icy Conditions Exist | Winter Weather Warning | Watch for Ice On Roads and Bridges | Low Visibility Blowing Snow |
Phase 2 | Reduce Speed Drive With Caution | Icy Conditions Exist | Drive With Caution | Reduce Speed Drive With Caution |
DMS | Alternate 4 | Alternate 5 |
|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | Winter Weather Warning | Icy Conditions Exist |
Phase 2 | Snow and Icy Conditions Exist | Watch For Road Crews |
Snow or icy can be used interchangeably. Phase 2 messages can be interchangeable as needed.
DMS | Primary | Alternate 1 | Alternate 2 | Alternate 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | Icy Conditions Exist | Watch For Road Crews | Winter Weather Warning | Winter Weather Warning |
Phase 2 | Travel Discouraged | Reduce Speed Maintain Safe Distance | Travel Discouraged | Travel Discouraged Seek Shelter |
DMS | Alternate 4 | Alternate 5 | Alternate 6 | Alternate 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | Snowing With Low Visibility | Watch For Snow Plows | Caution Rough Packed Snow Ahead | Winter Weather Warning |
Phase 2 | Reduce Speed Maintain Safe Distance | Reduce Speed Maintain Safe Distance | Reduce Speed Drive With Caution | Emergency Travel Only |
Snow or icy can be used interchangeably. Seek Shelter to be used based on local Disaster Coordinator instructions.
DMS | Primary | Alternate 1 | Alternate 2 | Alternate 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | IH-?? Eastbound To City Road Impassable | Stopped Traffic Mile Marker ??? ?? Mile Backer | IH ? Closed Ahead | Winter Weather Warning |
Phase 2 | Seek Shelter In Nearest Location | Travel Discouraged Long Wait | Seek Shelter | Travel Discouraged Seek Shelter |
DMS | Alternate 4 | Alternate 5 | Alternate 6 | Alternate 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | Crash At Mile Marker ??? IH ?? Closed | Crash At Mile Marker ??? ??? Miles Ahead | IH ? Closed | Blizzard Warning (Area of State) |
Phase 2 | Use Detour At FM ?? | Expect Delays | Exit Ramp ??? | Travel Discouraged Seek Shelter |
Stage 4 messages are location specific messages. May use AHEAD, MM ???, or City Name where appropriate. Seek Shelter to be used based on local Disaster Coordinator instructions.
DMS | Primary | Alternate 1 | Alternate 2 | Alternate 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | Icy Conditions May Exist | Snow and Icy Conditions May Exist | Watch For Road Crews | Snow Plow Convoy Ahead |
Phase 2 | Expect Delays Drive With Caution | Watch For Road Crews | Reduce Speed Maintain Safe Distance | Reduce Speed Maintain Safe Distance |
PCMS - 8 Character Message (Stage 1-5)
PCMS | Primary | Alternate 1 | Alternate 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | Winter Weather Warning | Winter Weather Advisory | Winter Weather Warning |
Phase 2 | Drive With Caution | Drive With Caution | Watch For Road Crews |
Alternate 2 or 3 should follow the national weather service conditions. Phase 2 messages can be interchangeable as needed.
PCMS | Primary | Alternate 1 |
|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | Icy Roads Exist | Winter Weather Warning |
Phase 2 | Drive With Caution | Watch For Road Crews |
Phase 2 messages can be interchangeable as needed.
PCMS | Primary | Alternate 1 | Alternate 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | Winter Weather Warning | Icy Roads Exist | Watch For Road Crews |
Phase 2 | Seek Shelter | Watch For Road Crews | Maintain Safe Distance |
Phase 2 messages can be interchangeable as needed. Seek Shelter to be used based on local Disaster Coordinator instructions.
PCMS | Primary | Alternate 1 |
|---|---|---|
Phase 1 | IH ? Closed Ahead | IH ? Closed |
Phase 2 | All Traffic Exit Now | Seek Shelter |
Stage 4 messages are location specific messages. May use Ahead, MM ???, or City Name with Seek Shelter to be used based on local Disaster Coordinator instructions.
PCMS | Primary |
|---|---|
Phase 1 | Watch For Road Crews |
Phase 2 | Drive With Caution |