Texas Winter Storm 2026 Is Here. Can I Drive? What If I Have To?

Over 200 million people are in the path of a possibly historic winter storm, spanning over 2,000 miles from the Southwest (Texas, Oklahoma) and across the broad South, including the Tennessee Valley, to the Mid-Atlantic coast. Much of the continental U.S. is going to be covered in some sort of winter mix.

Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas have all declared states of emergency in the bulk of their states

Many are wondering how to prep their cars for the deep freeze. There are hundreds of TikTok videos with great advice.

Now that the wintry mix is blanketing much of the state, it’s time to remember the basics of winter driving.

Can I drive in the Texas ice storm?

First, unless it is completely unavoidable, driving should be out of the question. Stay home if at all possible. If you can keep your car in a garage or out of the weather, that would obviously be best. It is advisable to ensure your tires are properly inflated, because tire pressure drops typically 1 psi for every 10 degrees, per AAA. Make sure fluids are topped off, and that you have at least a half-tank of gas to avoid a gas line freeze.

Also, remember to take out any electronics, medications (effectiveness can be altered), aerosol cans (can explode), and smaller items like eyeglasses, which can get brittle with the cold.

If you know precipitation is on the way, thick plastic covers can keep a barrier between your car and the sleet/snow.

But what if I have to drive?

If driving is necessary, there are critical safety keys. First, AAA strongly recommends drivers keep well-stocked emergency kits, which you can find on Amazon, in stores, and at auto part shops. Your tire tread should be up to snuff, as it will likely be a major factor that determines whether you get to your destination or end up in a ditch.

A vehicle would be stocked with gloves, hats, extra warm clothing, and blankets. Consider picking up a heat-reflective emergency blanket that traps heat more effectively than a typical blanket.
Non-perishable snacks like nuts, jerky, dried fruit, and protein bars, plus water, are a must. It might sound unorthodox, but juice boxes, unlike water bottles, don't freeze at 32°F.

A sturdy ice scraper and a spray bottle of de-icer are useful. Rock salt, sand, or kitty litter is valuable, in case your tires won’t grab.

As far as safety and communication, the driver should already keep a flashlight with extra batteries. But road flares, reflective triangles, a fully-charged portable phone charger, and a portable battery charger would be ideal. A small, but mighty item to buy that should not be slept on is a multipurpose seltbelt cutter/window hammer.

As a reminder, people absolutely should not be driving in this storm. But in case you have no choice, these are the items you need for success in your journey.