2001 Ford Taurus Sudden stop to jerky car

In 2006, I started driving 60 miles to work via interstate in Iowa and only drive about 10 times a month due to carpooling. I've never had a problem driving in chilly conditions in the 8 years I've had this car. It was COLD -10 degree wind chill factor last night and I drove probably 20 miles before this happened. Warmed her up first of course. Then I had to halt due to traffic brake lights coming on ahead of me. I wouldn't call it sudden but it was abrupt. Then it was like my car just called it quits. Several lights came on on the dash and it was like the car couldn't get back into gear. The oil, engine, theft lights came on and flashed. Then it was fine. I drove another 10 miles and it happened again only worse. I was on the interstate both times and put on my hazzards since I was in the middle lane. It was like it was missing something to keep the power going. I thought I could get another year on this vehicle before switching but is this the beginning of the end?