Severe Storms Cause Power Outages, School Closures, and Road Closures in Irving

The spring storm season arrived with force as severe weather swept through the Dallas-Fort Worth area early Tuesday, March 4, causing widespread damage, power outages, and school closures.

The City of Dallas Outdoor Warning System (OWS) was activated in Southwest and Northwest Dallas due to high-speed winds.

Irving experienced significant storm damage, particularly near the intersection of N. O’Connor Road and W. Pioneer Drive, where downed power lines have made the area extremely dangerous. The Irving Police Department has closed all traffic to this location, as well as:

• N. O’Connor Rd between Rock Island and Union Bower
• Pioneer Dr between MacArthur Blvd and Ada St

The City of Irving has set up a temporary shelter at Georgia Farrow Recreation Center (530 Davis Drive) for residents in need of assistance.

Dangerous areas being blocked

Irving ISD Closures and Early Dismissals

Severe storms caused widespread power outages across Irving ISD, forcing school closures and early dismissals:

• De Zavala Middle School: Closed due to downed power lines and a gas leak in the area.
• Early dismissals (Tuesday, March 4):
  • Elementary schools (11:00 AM): Hanes Elementary, Lee Elementary
  • Middle schools (11:30 AM): Travis Middle, Austin Middle
  • High schools (11:45 AM): Irving High, Cardwell Career Preparatory Center

Students who drive or are picked up by parents were released at the designated dismissal time. Bus transportation was provided for student riders. School is expected to resume as normal on Wednesday, March 5.

Recreation and Animal Services Closures

Due to storm damage and power outages, the following facilities are closed:

• Recreation Centers: Lee Park, Lively Pointe Youth Center, Northwest Park, Senter Park
• Senior & Aquatic Centers: Heritage Senior Center, Heritage Aquatic Center
• Animal Services: Irving Animal Care Campus (4140 Valley View Lane) is closed to assist with emergency evacuations of residents and pets.

Power Outages and Safety Precautions

As of Tuesday morning, Oncor reported 8,400 Irving customers without power, part of 255,000 outages across the region. Crews are working to restore service.

Oncor safety reminders:

• Do not remove storm debris near power lines.
• Stay away from downed power lines and call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Use caution when clearing brush, as live wires may be hidden.

Residents can report outages and get updates through the MyOncor App, Oncor outage map, live chat at Oncor.com, or by calling (888) 313-4747.