Icy roads in Fort Worth are already causing dozens of major accidents Monday morning

Drivers in North Texas were having a difficult time Monday as a winter storm warning was in effect as freezing rain and sleet were falling across the area.

In Fort Worth, firefighters and police responded to almost 30 major accidents from 5:30 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. Monday because of icy conditions on roads and highways.

MedStar officials said Monday that they had responded to 49 accidents with injuries since 5:30 a.m. Monday, most appear to be on elevated portions of highways. The accidents have included four rollovers, one involving a semi-truck.

The city of Fort Worth tweeted that its street operations team has trucks out “to scout roadways for icy conditions. Other trucks are on standby ready to start sanding operations.”

A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday as mixed precipitation, primarily in the form of freezing rain and/or sleet, was expected in the area. Total ice or sleet accumulations between one tenth and one half of an inch were possible, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth.

Significant impacts to travel was expected as early as Monday and continue through at least Tuesday night. Elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses will likely be the first to become icy, slick, and hazardous as temperatures hover around or below freezing, according to the NWS in Fort Worth.

There is a low chance of some downed power lines and tree damage due to ice, authorities said.

The high on Monday will be in the lower 30s with north winds 15 mph. Wind chill values as low as 16. There’s a 40% chance of more freezing rain and sleet Monday night.

Freezing rain and sleet will continue on Tuesday. Chance of precipitation near 100%. Wind chill values as low as 17.

Officials at the NWS in Fort Worth said freezing rain with a chance of sleet in the Wednesday morning, then showers in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent. Showers. Lows in the mid 30s. Chance of rain near 100 percent.

MedStar officials provided these winter weather safety tips:

▪ Make sure that you have important phone numbers, including for your health care providers, pharmacy, and veterinarian.

▪ Assuring you have enough medication for several days on hand.

▪ If you rely on medical devices in your home, having a back-up plan in case you lose power for an extended period, such as a back-up generator or battery pack and back-up oxygen bottles.

▪ Having a communication plan for your family.

▪ Knowing how to get reliable information during the storm.

▪ Gathering supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power.

▪ Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is poisonous to breathe. Operate all gasoline-powered devices, such as gas-powered generators and heaters outdoors and never bring them indoors.

▪ Wear cold weather appropriate clothing such as gloves/mittens, hats, scarves, and snow boots.

▪ Dress in several layers of loose-fitting clothing and cover your face and mouth if possible.

▪ Be aware of the wind chill factor. Wind can cause body-heat loss.

▪ Stay dry, and if you become wet, remove wet clothing immediately.

▪ Limit your time outdoors.

▪ Do not ignore shivering. It’s an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.

It will be cloudy Thursday with a 50% chance of showers. Daytime high will be in the upper 40s.

Rain chances are gone on Friday.