Texas Winter Driving Alert: Record-Strength El Niño Threatens Roads

NOAA outlook favors a wetter-than-normal winter across the American South as El Niño nears historic strength; Angel Reyes & Associates shares what Texas drivers need to know

DALLAS, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas drivers are heading into a wetter, stormier season. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s 2026-27 Winter Outlook favors wetter-than-average conditions across the South from December 2026 through February 2027, driven by a strengthening El Niño. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center reports a greater than 83% chance of becoming the strongest on record since 1950. Texas personal injury firm Angel Reyes & Associates shares what this means for Texans, and how they can prepare.

El Niño winters typically make the southern jet stream more active, bringing colder, wetter weather to the southern tier of the United States. For drivers, this wetter and potentially icier pattern leads to a greater risk of crashes. The Federal Highway Administration estimates nearly 745,000 crashes a year are weather-related, killing over 3,800 people. Most happen in rain, but nearly one in five occurs in sleet, snow or freezing rain.

"Most Texas drivers have experience with driving in the rain, but very few are comfortable driving on ice. That's a real concern for crashes and fatalities as this weather pattern develops," said Angel Reyes, founder and managing partner of Angel Reyes & Associates. "A wetter and potentially icier season means more risk on the road, but a little preparation goes a long way in protecting Texans."

Angel Reyes & Associates offers these tips for wet and icy conditions:

• Slow down and add distance. Wet and icy pavement can increase stopping distances, so stay farther behind the car in front of you than usual.
• Brake and steer gently. Sudden movements can cause skids. If the car slides, ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go.
• Watch for black ice on bridges and overpasses. The freeze can look wet at first.
• Avoid cruise control on wet or slick roads. You need to be able to anticipate when to slow down or stop.
• Check tires, wipers and lights before the weather turns, and keep an emergency kit in the car in case you get stuck in the cold.

"Bad weather doesn't excuse unsafe driving," Reyes added. "Texas law requires drivers to adjust their speed to road conditions. If someone drives too fast for rain or ice and causes a crash, they can still be held responsible."

After a weather-related crash, drivers should photograph the road and weather conditions at the scene, since that evidence can help show what happened. Angel Reyes & Associates is available as a resource for winter driving safety, weather-related crash trends and what Texans should do after a crash in hazardous conditions.

About Angel Reyes & Associates

Founded in 1993 by Angel Reyes, Angel Reyes & Associates is a Texas personal injury firm dedicated to giving everyday Texans a voice against powerful insurance companies. The firm specializes in motor vehicle accident cases, including car crashes, truck accidents, rideshare incidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents and pedestrian accidents. With offices statewide, Angel Reyes & Associates has helped over 70,000 personal injury victims recover over $1 billion in compensation. The firm has been AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, recognized as a Best Law Firm by U.S. News – Best Lawyers, and multiple attorneys at the firm have been named to the Texas Super Lawyers list. To learn more, visit reyeslaw.com.

SOURCE Angel Reyes & Associates