Texas Resident Skis Down Ice-Covered Street as Massive Winter Storm Grips U.S.

By rolling across a residential street on cross-country skis, a Texas woman offered a striking snapshot of the extreme winter weather now affecting large portions of the United States. The brief clip, recorded in an unidentified neighborhood, shows her gliding smoothly over a sheet of ice that has formed on the pavement. Parked vehicles line both sides of the roadway, while the skier—bundled in cold-weather gear—uses ski poles for balance and steady momentum. No other people or moving cars are visible in the footage, underscoring how local travel has slowed or stopped because of dangerously slick conditions.

The video emerged as a 2,000-mile winter storm sweeps across the nation, according to coverage by ABC News Live. The broad system has sprawled from the Gulf Coast to New England, carrying a brutal arctic air mass expected to linger into February. As freezing rain, sleet and snow accumulate on roads, power lines and runways, communities in multiple states are contending with outages, transportation delays and repeated warnings to stay indoors.

Conditions in Texas Reflect Nationwide Impact

While much of the current weather focus has centered on the Eastern United States, the icy scene in Texas confirms that southern regions are also experiencing hazardous conditions. The state, which typically sees more moderate winter temperatures, has witnessed roadways glazed with ice after rounds of freezing precipitation. In some neighborhoods, residents report that even short trips by car or foot have become treacherous, prompting a handful of people—such as the skier in the viral clip—to adopt unconventional ways of getting around.

Power Crews Race to Restore Service

Elsewhere along the storm’s path, utilities are working to repair downed lines and damaged infrastructure. ABC News Live’s segment titled “Race to Restore Power” noted that many households have lost electricity as ice weighs on wires and tree branches. Crews are deploying bucket trucks and specialized equipment to replace poles, clear debris and reconnect customers, but progress has been slowed by continuous precipitation and sub-freezing temperatures.

Travel Disruptions Mount

The same weather system has triggered what reporters have called a “travel mess from winter storm.” Across multiple airports, airlines have scrubbed or delayed flights while ramp crews de-ice aircraft and wait for improved visibility. Major interstates have also seen lengthy closures due to crashes or zero-traction surfaces. State transportation departments are deploying plows, salt spreaders and tow trucks, yet officials stress that icy conditions can redevelop quickly after plowing, especially overnight when temperatures dip well below 32 °F.

Officials Urge Residents to Stay Indoors

The severity of the storm prompted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, in a separate ABC News Live interview, to advise residents to remain inside unless absolutely necessary. Similar messages have been echoed by emergency management offices in other cities along the storm corridor. Recommendations include keeping cellphones charged, stocking food and water for several days and avoiding travel during active icing.

For those who must venture outside, safety experts point to essential tips highlighted in another ABC News Live segment: wear layered, moisture-wicking clothing; carry a small emergency kit with blankets and flashlights in vehicles; and check the latest forecasts before leaving. The National Weather Service maintains up-to-date advisories and interactive hazard maps on its homepage (weather.gov), allowing residents to track local ice accumulations, wind-chill values and expected snowfall totals.

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Arctic Blast to Persist Into February

Meteorologists attribute the extensive reach of this system to a deep dip in the jet stream that has opened a direct path for arctic air to flood the continental United States. Forecast models cited during ABC News Live’s “Tracking the Major Winter Storm” broadcast show temperatures remaining well below average for at least another week. Wind chills in parts of the Midwest and Northeast are projected to fall below zero, while freezing rain looks set to linger across pockets of the South, including portions of Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Community Response and Resilience

In Texas, local news outlets have reported isolated instances of residents taking advantage of the rare ice to engage in winter sports normally seen at ski resorts. The woman featured in the viral video represents a small but visible group improvising recreational activities on city streets, driveways and neighborhood parks. Despite the novelty, public safety officials caution that hidden patches of black ice can make even seemingly harmless stretches of roadway unpredictable. They advise anyone testing the conditions—whether on skis, sleds or simply on foot—to wear helmets, avoid steep inclines and stay clear of traffic.

Meanwhile, community organizations, faith groups and municipal shelters are expanding operations to protect individuals experiencing homelessness. Cold-weather shelters have extended hours, and volunteers are distributing blankets, gloves and hot beverages. Authorities are also urging residents to check on elderly neighbors, whose homes may become dangerously cold during prolonged power outages.

Looking Ahead

Emergency managers across the storm’s footprint continue to emphasize preparedness. With forecasts indicating additional rounds of precipitation and a sustained cold spell, road salting, de-icing flights and power-line repairs are expected to remain top priorities. Drivers are encouraged to keep fuel tanks at least half full to prevent fuel-line freeze, while homeowners are advised to drip faucets to reduce the risk of burst pipes.

For now, the unnamed skier gliding down her Texas street stands as a vivid reminder of how quickly routines can shift when extreme weather descends. Her light-hearted journey on skis contrasts sharply with the broader challenges posed by the storm—yet it also underscores the adaptability of residents confronting an unusual freeze. As officials monitor conditions and issue new advisories, communities nationwide remain on alert, navigating the final days of January under the shadow of an arctic blast that shows few signs of retreat.

Crédito da imagem: ABC News Live