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MDOT urges motorist to prepare for winter storm impacts
JACKSON, MISS. – A hazardous winter storm bringing heavy snowfall and sub-freezing temperatures will impact much of the state on Tuesday. Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) crews will closely monitor weather conditions and highways and bridges and be ready to respond as the winter weather moves in. Motorists should remain cautious, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Moderate and major travel impacts are expected. Snowfall accumulations of up to six inches is forecast for some areas. Due to the dangerous nature of this storm, travel is not recommended unless absolutely necessary in areas with the heaviest snowfall.
Motorists are advised to check local weather reports and the MDOT Traffic mobile app or MDOTtraffic.com for the most up-to-date information. Avoid areas where icy conditions have been reported.
Crews are taking preventative measures, spreading a salt brine solution on roadways. When applied to a dry road surface, salt brine can help prevent ice formation on travel lanes. If the roads are already wet, granular salt can be applied to help prevent the formation of ice by lowering the freezing point of water.
In the northern districts, crews treated State Route 25 in Winston and Oktibbeha Counties. Pre-treatment was also applied on U.S. 82 in Oktibbeha and Lowndes Counties. In central Mississippi, crews pretreated roadways Sunday from the Alabama state line to the Warren County line, including I-20, I-55, I-220 and I-59 south of Meridian. These crews have stocked up on materials, gassed up trucks and are prepared to address conditions that arise early Tuesday morning. In the southern districts, salt brine is being applied on all state-maintained bridges, overpasses and known problem areas. Approaches to draw bridges were also treated.
MDOT has snow plows and sand trucks that are loaded and ready to deploy during the storm. Sand and slag can also be spread to help improve traction in slushy conditions. Manpower and equipment are being deployed to areas where the highest winter weather impacts are expected.
To assist the traveling public in preparing for potential winter weather conditions, MDOT offers these safe driving tips.
· Remember, ice will form on bridges and overpasses quicker than the road.
· Remain cautious in areas with overhanging trees and other shady areas where moisture
can accumulate and refreeze.
· Slow down.
· Wach out for black ice, which can be difficult to see, especially at night.
· Allow more space between the vehicles around you.
· Brake early and gently to avoid skidding, and never slam on the brakes.
· Avoid distractions, such as talking or texting on a cell phone.
· Stay alert.
For more information on how to prepare for winter weather, visit GoMDOT.com/winter. For real-time road conditions on Mississippi’s highways and bridges, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app, visit MDOTtraffic.com and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
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The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for providing a safe, intermodal transportation network that is planned, designed, constructed and maintained in an efficient, economical and environmentally sensitive manner. For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.
MageeNews.com is the online news source for Simpson and surrounding counties as well as the State of Mississippi
