Denton Winter Storm Response
Recent Press Release about the City of Denton Winter Storm Response
DENTON, TX, December 13, 2013 – City of Denton utilities and public safety crews worked around the clock Dec. 5-9 to respond to the severe ice storm that gripped the North Texas region.
“Although City offices and facilities were closed on Friday and delayed opening on Monday, essential personnel continued to work throughout the severe weather conditions to provide critical services to our community,” said City Manager George Campbell.
Streets crews worked more than 1,900 man hours to spread 624 tons of sand on streets, bridges, and overpasses. The Department also provided mutual aid to the Texas Department of Transportation through sanding operations on I-35 near Sanger from Friday evening to Saturday morning.
Denton Police responded to 77 minor accidents, 13 major accidents, 172 traffic hazards, and 390 motorist assists between noon on Thursday and 5 p.m. on Monday.
During this time, Denton Municipal Electric (DME) customers used 50 percent more electricity than the previous week. Electric service was disrupted for only 160 customers during the event, which is less than 0.33 percent of DME customers. The average outage lasted one hour, and the longest outage was less than five hours. Severe weather events highlight the success of and continued need for DMEs tree trimming program, preventing the scale of outages that were experienced in other service areas.
The Denton Fire Department provided welfare checks to motorists stopped in traffic on I-35W and I-35E through Denton and along I-35 up to Sanger. The Department operated two brush trucks with two-person crews to move stuck vehicles, as well as provided blankets and water to stranded motorists.
Despite the prolonged period of subfreezing temperatures, the City provided water and wastewater service with minimal disruptions.
Staff is currently assessing City facilities for potential damage caused from the accumulation of ice on roofs.
“This was a very unusual storm that really challenged our resources, but I am proud of our city employees who were able to keep vital services such as public safety, water, wastewater, and electric services operational for our residents,” stated Denton Mayor Mark Burroughs. “I was particularly glad to hear that we were able to give the Texas Department of Transportation assistance with the motorists that found themselves stranded on I-35.”
Contact: Alison Ream, (940) 349-8310, Alison.Ream@cityofdenton.com