A few weeks ago, the Division of Highway
Services (DHS) held its annual Snow Summit and Winter Storm Exercise to ensure that
the County is prepared for what weather forecasters are predicting will be a
colder, snowier winter season. As part
of its preparations, DHS has fully stocked salt barns to capacity with 85,000
tons of salt.
At the Snow Summit, officials
from all County agencies with snow removal responsibilities assess their
readiness for winter storms and discuss new initiatives. DHS Chief Keith
Compton discussed the Road Weather Information System that consists of four
pavement monitoring stations strategically placed in areas of the County that
experience different microclimates. The stations monitor pavement temperature,
humidity, dew point, ambient temperature and “grip factor.” When environmental
conditions are conducive to producing black ice, ice or slippery conditions,
the stations send DHS automatic text messages so it can take proactive measures
to treat pavement.
During the all-day Winter Storm
Exercise, DHS simulated its response to a six-inch snow storm, testing the
preparedness of the County’s snow plans and fleet. Snow plow operators ran
their routes on the nearly 5,000 lane miles of County-maintained roads.
Sign up for Alert Montgomery now to get real
time emergency information about weather conditions and the status of County
services during winter storms.
