OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — Owensboro road crews are hitting the streets ahead of a weekend of sleet, snow and freezing rain. The city’s Public Works Department discussed what goes into making them ready for whatever comes their way.
“My first thought when I saw the weather forecast, I thought of the ice storm. It was 2009, and it was pretty bad,” says Rick Fry, an Owensboro driver.
Reflecting on the Owensboro tornado 25 years later
In 2009, ice dragged trees and power lines to the ground throughout the city, and some areas went without electricity for several days. This week, crews are a day into prep-work for an arctic blast that could bring in over 4 inches of snow, knockout power and ice over roads.
“It looks like it’s going to come in Sunday morning as snow, and then turn into freezing rain. [It may] snow again on Monday morning,” says Kevin Derossitt, the Deputy Director of Owensboro Public Works.
The department says drivers are prepared to work 12-hour shifts, but a salt brine spread before the weather hits could soften the blow. The trucks spread the special mixture on the ground to prevent the snow from sticking.