Plow crews are stocked up on salt, but the overnight temperatures create come concern

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Plow crews continue to treat snow-covered roads in salt Wednesday evening, but crews say low temperatures will make the treatment less effective.

Both MoDOT and Columbia Public Works said they are fully stocked up on salt. "Our salt supplies are in really good shape right now," said Adam Shafer, Central District Maintenance Engineer with MoDOT.

John Ogan with Columbia Public Works said the same, "we started with 5,000 tons of salt in October and December and January were relatively light on salt usage so we still have plenty and there's no danger of us running out."

Although the supply of salt is not an issue, the salt may reach a point where it is less effective.

"Temperatures are going to reach lows at 12 tonight, at that kind of temperature salt definitely loses some of its effectiveness," Ogan said.

Ogan said when temperatures are that low, there's a different solution for the roadways at that point.

"It's possible that we could move to a chemical solution which works at lower degrees, but that will be up for the superintendent to decide if that is necessary," Ogan said.

MoDOT has also been experiencing staffing issues, so some of the main roads could take longer to clear if the storm lasts several days.

"Crews are doing pretty good you know after we have a longer duration storm and many days in a row is when it starts to wear on everybody. So we're all still very fresh right now and hoping that we don't get to the point where it's been going on for many many days," Shafer said.

Visibility will be a concern overnight, and all motorists are advised to stay off the roadways.

"I would just encourage everyone to stay home if at all possible if they didn't have to go out. Take your time because you know, we've got trucks out but keep in mind it is still going to be a fairly intense storms," Shafer said.