Missouri Department of Transportation prepares for icy road conditions New Year’s weekend
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Emergency services in Missouri are preparing for the first big winter weather event of the season as people prepare to ring in the new year.
The American Red Cross and Missouri Department of Transportation are encouraging drivers to take caution this weekend as winter storms blow in. Icy road conditions are expected Friday through Sunday, and the ABC 17 Stormtrack weather team has issued a Weather Alert Day for Saturday.
Machelle Watkins with MoDOT told ABC 17 the agency may be slower than usual clearing roads due to staffing issues.
"Another complicating factor right now is that roughly 20% of our snowplow operators are newer ones," Watkins said. "Part of their training involves doing ride alongs with experienced snowplow operators before they drive on their own, and so this has been the first winter storm of the season, and so this will be their first opportunity to do that."
MoDOT Chief Safety and Operations Officer Becky Allmeroth says anyone leaving the house this weekend should check the MoDOT traveler map before they get in the car for the most up-to-date information on road closures or wrecks.
Ice and wintry weather is expected to cover roads this weekend, but Allermoth says overpasses and bridges will see the worst of it. Allow yourself extra time when traveling, and drive slowly on icy roads.
“Our crews will be out all weekend including clean up on Sunday. With our high turnover in staff this year, we have a lot of new team members who will be training through this first storm,” Allmeroth said. “We advise the public to stay off the roads as much as possible and give us extra room and time to clean up after the storm.”
If you do find yourself in a wreck or sliding off the road, Allermoth says to stay in your car until help arrives.
The American Red Cross of Central & Northern Missouri is advising people to stay inside if possible. But, if you have to leave, the Red Cross suggests carrying a windshield scraper, small broom, sand or cat litter for traction, emergency supply kit with bottled water, non-perishable food, medications and warm clothing/blankets.
The Red Cross also suggests making an emergency preparedness kit for your home or car.
