Jefferson City Public Works prepares for days-long winter storm
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
All of Mid-Missouri is in a winter storm watch that starts Tuesday ahead of a storm system that could dump a foot of snow on the region.
The National Weather Service issued the watch Monday, warning of snow accumulation of 6 to 16 inches on top of some ice accumulation. It lasts through late Thursday.
The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather ream issued a Weather Alert Day for Tuesday afternoon through Friday morning because of the threat of snow, freezing rain and dangerously low temperatures. Public works crews in Mid-Missouri are preparing to treat roads during this winter weather event.
Snow amounts of 8 to 12 inches are expected for Mid-Missouri and gusty winds could significantly reduce visibility. Temperatures will start above freezing Tuesday night but quickly plummet, making a wintry mix possible before precipitation becomes all snow.
Jefferson City public works told ABC 17 News this will be a challenging storm to treat. Since it starts out with rain and turns into snow, crews can't pre-treat the roads and the length of the storm makes it an exhausting feat for them. Eric Landwehr with Jefferson City public works tells me crews are fully staffed and ready for the oncoming winter storm in the capital city.
"Probably the worst part about it is just the wear and tear on our drivers," Landwehr said.
With a days-long storm coming, drivers are going to be working long shifts to try to plow and treat roads as more snow continuously falls. Jefferson City Public Works asks drivers to park in a driveway if possible.
"Please if you can, in a subdivision or residential area, do not park on the road if you don't have to," Landwehr said.
If you don't have to go somewhere, it's best to stay home. However, if you find yourself on the roads this week and you see a snowplow, give them lots of space to do their work.
"Please just stay back if you can," Landwehr said. "Do not get up behind them really close, especially close enough to where they can't see you in their review mirrors."
Drivers should take caution during cold weather. Slippery road conditions and black ice are likely when precipitation meets below-freezing temperatures.
If you find yourself in a wreck, pull over and stay in the car until help arrives. Response times may be slower when roads are slick.
If you're stranded in a car that won't start or broke down in the cold weather, the Red Cross suggests putting together an emergency kit and always keeping it in your car. Pack things such as extra batteries, medications, blankets, non-perishable foods, kitty litter and de-icer.
