01/24/2026
As most of you know, we’re dealing with winter weather this weekend, and that usually brings a lot of alerts, power issues, and questions. We want to take a moment to clarify when it’s appropriate to call 911 and when it’s not.
Please call 911 if there is an immediate emergency or someone is in danger. For weather updates, road conditions, or general questions, please use the resources listed below instead of calling 911.
The Vernon Police Department has one dispatcher on duty per shift. During severe weather, a high volume of non-emergency calls can slow response times. Dispatchers must focus on 911 calls, radio traffic, and supporting first responders. We appreciate everyone’s patience as call volume increases.
🔹 Winter Weather Alerts
Weather alerts for Wilbarger County come directly from the National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma and are accurate. Most weather apps allow you to tap the alert to see exactly which areas are impacted. Sometimes the alert applies to surrounding locations rather than Vernon itself, but conditions can still affect travel here.
🔹 Road Conditions & Travel
Ice is typically the biggest concern in North Texas, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways. Conditions can change quickly, and even light ice can lead to multiple accidents in a short amount of time.
Dispatch does not receive official road condition updates, so please do not call dispatch for road conditions. Calling ties up phone lines that may be needed for emergencies. The most reliable way to check conditions is through the resources below:
• DriveTexas Map – Real-time road closures, crashes, and weather hazards
👉 https://drivetexas.org/
• TXDOT Live Traffic Cameras – Live camera views across Texas to check conditions before heading out
👉 https://www.txdot.gov/discover/live-traffic-cameras.html
There is no longer a TXDOT phone number for road updates, so these tools are the quickest way to stay informed.
🔹 Power Outages
If your power goes out during winter weather, it is most often caused by ice or wind. The fastest way to report an outage is by calling AEP’s outage line at 877-373-4858. This is much quicker than calling the Police Department and helps keep emergency lines open.
🔹 Warming Shelters
At this time, anyone looking for information on warming shelters should call the non-emergency line at 940-553-3311. If any shelters open, that information will be shared as it becomes available.
🔹 Frozen Pipes & Water Issues
Extended freezing temperatures can lead to frozen or burst pipes. If you lose water service or notice a major leak, the non-emergency line at 940-553-3311 so we can notify the on-call water department personnel.
For non-emergency concerns, including minor accidents or general questions, please call the non-emergency line at 940-553-3311.
Stay warm, stay safe, and use extra caution if you must travel on icy roads. 💛❄️
