Monday morning in Austin, Texas, felt more like the North Pole than the Lone Star State. After a weekend of freezing rain and sleet, the roads are currently covered in a dangerous layer of ice. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has issued a clear message: unless you have a life-or-death emergency, do not take your car out today, Monday, January 26, 2026.
Even though the sun might come out, the roads are still “caked” with ice. Local authorities are worried that drivers who think the roads are clear might slip and cause major accidents.
Dangerous ‘Black Ice’ Hiding on Highways
The biggest threat right now isn’t the snow you can see, but the “Black Ice” you cannot see. Black ice is a thin, clear layer of ice that looks like a normal wet road. When you drive over it, your car can spin out of control instantly.
TxDOT cameras show that major roads like State Highway 45 and MoPac (the main road people use to travel North and South) are still very icy. Even though crews are out there putting chemicals on “hot spots,” they cannot clear every inch of the highway at once.
Why Austin’s Geography Makes Driving Worse
In cities like Chicago or New York, roads are flat. But in the western part of the Austin metro area, the land is very hilly. Trying to drive up or down an icy hill is nearly impossible for a regular car.
If your car starts sliding backwards on an icy hill, your brakes will not work. This is why traffic is moving at a snail’s pace in many areas. The combination of steep hills and frozen rain is a recipe for disaster.
The Night Trap: Temperatures to Drop Again
Many people think that once the rain stops, the danger is gone. But that is a mistake. Weather experts say that temperatures will stay at or below freezing all day Monday. Tonight, the lows will drop into the teens and 20s.
This means any ice that melted a little bit during the day will turn back into solid ice at night. This “refreezing” process makes the roads even more slippery on Tuesday morning. If you think you can “wait it out” until tonight to go shopping, think again.
Our Opinion: Why Texans Struggle With Ice
In our view, Texas cities are not built for this kind of weather. Unlike Northern states, Austin doesn’t have thousands of salt trucks or drivers who are used to sliding on ice.
It is always better to stay indoors, work from home, and enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee. Saving one day of work is not worth a 20-car pileup on the highway. If you absolutely must go out, use the DriveTexas website. It is like a “Live Map” that shows you where crashes and road blocks are located.
Conclusion
Winter Storm Fern has left Austin in a very sticky—or rather, slippery—situation. TxDOT is doing its best, but nature is currently in charge. The best advice for Monday is simple: Stay Home. Keep the roads clear for ambulances and police cars. By staying off the highways, you are helping the “Snow Warriors” do their job faster so life can get back to normal by mid-week.
FAQs
Is it safe to drive on MoPac right now?
No. TxDOT cameras show that MoPac is still coated in ice in many sections. It is one of the most dangerous roads in Austin during a freeze because it is so busy.
What is the best way to check road conditions?
You should use the DriveTexas.org website. It provides real-time updates on accidents, closed lanes, and travel delays across the whole state.
Will the ice melt by Monday afternoon?
Probably not completely. Since temperatures are expected to stay near freezing, most of the ice will stay on the ground and may even freeze harder tonight.
What should I do if my car starts to slide on ice?
The experts say: do not slam on your brakes! Take your foot off the gas and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
Are schools in Austin closed today?
Most Austin-area schools have either closed or delayed their start times. You should check your specific school district’s website for the latest update.