**Icy Conditions Snarl East Texas Traffic, TxDOT Urges Residents to Stay Home**
TYLER/LONGVIEW, Texas – January 25, 2026 – East Texas awoke to treacherous conditions Saturday as a widespread ice event coated major roadways, prompting officials to urge residents to stay home. Black ice was reported across the region, leading to numerous minor vehicle incidents throughout the morning.
The freezing rain and lingering cold temperatures, which remained below freezing throughout the day, turned thoroughfares like Interstate 20 into sheets of glass, according to reports from motorists and emergency responders. Other critical arteries, including U.S. Highway 69 and Loop 323 in both Tyler and Longview, were similarly impacted, making travel extremely hazardous.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) issued strong advisories throughout the morning, imploring drivers to avoid unnecessary travel. "If you don't have to be out, please stay home," a TxDOT spokesperson advised. Crews were actively engaged in de-icing efforts across the affected counties, though the persistent sub-freezing temperatures significantly hindered their effectiveness. Motorists were encouraged to check real-time road conditions before venturing out by visiting TxDOT's official travel information site at [www.DriveTexas.org](https://www.drivetexas.org/).
Emergency services reported a significant increase in calls for minor fender-benders and vehicles sliding off roads, particularly during the morning hours. While thankfully no serious injuries have been reported so far, the sheer volume of incidents underscored the dangerous driving conditions. Local authorities reiterated TxDOT's message, emphasizing the unpredictability of black ice and the importance of extreme caution for anyone who must travel. For additional updates on road conditions and travel advisories, residents can also monitor the official TxDOT website at [www.txdot.gov](https://www.txdot.gov/).
