Crews Ready For Icy Roads

Area residents can expect a partly cloudy, windy day with a high temperature of about 30 degrees, according to the National Weather Services.

Drivers should be cautious of icy roads and other slick spots, local emergency managers said Tuesday.

“People should just prepare for hazardous driving and possibly some delays and power outages,” John Luther, director of the Washington County Department of Emergency Management, said Tuesday afternoon.

Winter Weather

If You Become Stranded

• Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.

• To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.

• If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.

• To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.

• Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.

• Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

Source: National Safety Council

Kelly Johnson, Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport manager, said Tuesday crews were ready to deal with the winter storm.

“We’ve checked all our machinery and have our list of people to call. We’re ready if the snow comes,” she said.

People should put as much gasoline in vehicles as possible in case they get stranded in cold weather, Luther said. Exhaust pipes should not be obstructed while the engine and heater are on, Luther said.

The weather service in Tulsa, Okla., predicted on Tuesday afternoon as much as 4 inches of snow in areas of Washington County for the day and no snowfall today. Christmas day 1975 set the holiday record of 4 inches of snow, according to the service.

Wind gusts should reach up to 30 miles per hour today with winds chill effect of four to 9 degrees, according to the weather service.

Washington County road crews were prepared with plenty of half-inch limestone chips to spread onto county roads after heavy snowfall and ice, said Shawn Shrum, Washington County assistant road superintendent.

Benton County Judge Bob Clinard said the road department has trucks loaded with sand and salt. Road department workers are on call to come if necessary, Clinard said Tuesday.

Frankie Guyll, Rogers street superintendent, said Tuesday the city’s has five trucks loaded and ready to hit the streets.

“I hope the snow doesn’t come, but if it does we’re ready,” he said.

Preparation for snow began Friday in Bentonville, said Mike Churchwell, the city’s transportation director.

“We loaded our trucks on Friday and we’ve got our people on call,” he said Tuesday.

“We’ll start with a small crew first, then bring in more people as needed. We prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” Churchwell said.

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