ALDOT is preparing Alabama roads for winter weather. / Photo, taken Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, is courtesy of photographer Bill Castle/ABC3340.
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency are warning Alabamians to expect dangerous conditions across the state as winter weather moves through Tuesday. At this time, the National Weather Service is projecting snowfall amounts to be less than 2 inches; however, the impacts from any snow that falls will be amplified by the potential extremely cold temperatures that will be in place.
While ALDOT has been hard at work pre-treating interstates and other primary highways, these roadways can still experience potentially hazardous conditions during and after the anticipated winter weather event. Also, ALDOT’s road treatment will be limited to interstates and other federal and state highways. ALDOT will continue to treat these roadways with all available resources before, during and after the event. The public is encouraged to check with their local county or municipality for conditions on county and local roadways.
Motorists are encouraged to use extreme caution while driving, check road conditions before departing, allow for increased travel times and adjust arrival and departure times accordingly. Officials also urge motorists to limit travel to emergency situations only during the overnight hours of Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, as that is expected to be an especially cold and therefore dangerous period of time.
Motorists needing information on road conditions in Alabama should look to local news media and go to ALGOtraffic.com or download the ALGO Traffic app available online in the Apple App Store and on Google Play. ALDOT asks motorists to use ALGOtraffic.com responsibly. Motorists should never text, tweet or use a mobile device while operating a vehicle.
Appropriate driving speeds are determined by the road conditions, which on wet or icy roads should be slower than the posted speed limit. Motorists should slow down and move over if possible when approaching ALDOT and other highway maintenance personnel and emergency vehicles at work.
The Alabama EMA is reminding Alabamians that one of the most important preparedness steps that can be taken is to put together an emergency preparedness kit with a three-day supply of food, water and other critical supplies. In addition, put together a preparedness kit for vehicles that includes a car charger, ice scraper, jumper cables and blankets.
It’s also important to stay weather-aware by monitoring the news and the National Weather Service in your area for the latest weather information. For the latest preparedness tips, visit www.ema.alabama.gov.
