Weather, roads update Feb. 12, 2019

Our road crews spent the overnight hours plowing roads in an effort to have the priority arterials cleared for the morning commute. The warming temperatures and rain have turned our streets into slush, which means cars have a higher potential to slip due to poor traction.

The plan for today is to continue the plows on the secondary priority routes to move the slush off the roads. The plows are unable to go into the smaller neighborhood streets, cul-de-sacs and dead ends, so those roads will be cleared naturally as the rain melts the heavy snow accumulations.

Drivers are still encouraged to drive slow for conditions, increase following distance and be mindful of the poor traction on slush-covered streets.

During the night our crews were also able to clear of the majority of the storm drains to help capture the runoff from the melting snow, however due to the high volume of run off there is a possibility for the stormwater system to be overwhelmed, which means we could see water over the roadway.

The National Weather Service is calling for continuing precipitation, most likely rain for the Lakewood area, for the next two weeks. Snow levels are expected to stay at about 500-1,000 feet for the duration.

Temperatures are predicted to stay in the 30’s, although Wednesday night may get cold enough for a deeper freeze. This could mean slippery conditions for the Thursday morning commute.

As needed our road crews will be out again overnight and before the morning commute to address any frozen roads in the coming days as we see the temperatures dip below freezing.

The concern now is the weight of the existing snow on roofs and lowland flooding. Unstable roofs and flat roofs are the most susceptible to collapse under the heavy weight of the melting snow. Residents are encouraged to try to clean off an unstable roof tops, if you can do it safely, to limit the likelihood of damage.

The heavy rain/snow combination could also result in the threat for damage to trees and power outages. Please be aware of your surroundings when outside and be prepared for the potential for power outages as the snow melts.

For up-to-date weather reports go to www.wrh.noaa.gov/sew/.