Note: This article was updated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31 to reflect the latest forecast by the National Weather Service.

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The National Weather Service has extended its Winter Storm Warning for the metro area through Thursday, Feb. 2 at 6 a.m.

Wet roads with possible icing of overpasses and bridges are expected to result in increasingly hazardous travel conditions, especially as the day progresses Tuesday. Crews from City of Round Rock will apply de-icing material to major intersections throughout the City as necessary to maintain public safety services, but roads are expected to become increasingly dangerous for the general public due to precipitation. Non-essential travel is discouraged.

If you must travel in icy conditions, please consider the following safety tips:

• Slow down. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
• Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow or ice.
• Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas as they tend to freeze first.
• If your vehicle starts to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you have regained traction. Then straighten your vehicle.

Information on road conditions in the state is available at drivetexas.org or by phone at 800-452-9292. Travel planning and other tips are available in the TxDOT Safety Guide for Winter Travel.

At this time, temperatures are expected to dip below freezing in Round Rock in the coming days. The City of Round Rock is prepared with on-call staff to maintain core services in case of an emergency, if needed. While the City generally does not preemptively open public warming centers ahead of a cold front, Emergency Management has an emergency plan in place should a large-scale power outage occur.

Please remember the four P’s for winter weather safety: 
• People – Before going outside, dress in layers to protect yourself from the cold. While heating your home, do not use a generator, grill, camp-stove, or any gasoline, propane, or charcoal-burning device because they generate deadly carbon monoxide gas. 
• Pets – Bring your pets inside to keep them warm and safe . 
• Pipes – Insulate or cover exposed pipes to protect them from freezing, turn off outside faucets, drip ONE faucet only if needed. 
• Plants – cover your plants or bring them inside.  

Register for local emergency alerts through warncentraltexas.org.