http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdOaH35-DuE&feature=youtu.be

Athens, GA-   From rain to snow, the forecast calls for cold tempretures that may turn the roads to ice. Tonight before midnight rain is likely, snow is possible in the Athens area, and snow is probable up in the North Ga Mountains. Cold wins and black ice are some concerns to look out for while you’re traveling. Superintendent of Streets and Drainage, Kevin Gentry says,”The American public works association has identified public works as first responders, so when the police and the fire department, when they need help they call us. Cause we have the heavy equipment, we have the man power and we have the resources to help them. So we are one of the first ones in.”

The Superintendent says that even though Athens only gets ice 2-3 times a year they have one heated truck dedicated for emergencies loaded with sand ready to go.

“We’ll make sure our equipments all fueled up in case we have a power outage and can’t get fueled you never know what’s going to happen. We have chainsaws we keep ready for cutting trees out of the road way and have motor graders that really help out,” says Gentry.

Here is some winter weather advice from the Sheriff’s office. Decrease your speed, if you are driving fast there won’t be enough time to react to a problem. Increase you distance from the car in front of you. Slick roads are unforgiving to sudden braking so keeping a good distance can avoid a collision. Don’t panic, if you start to slide. Gently apply the brake and turn into the direction of the slide. Always focus and wear your seatbelt. Even UGA campus buses drivers are advised and trained for this weather.

UGA Bus driver, Jordan Gailey says, “We have to slow down, use extra caution, um we’re not supposed to go through turns over 5 miles per hour just things like that.”  The couple minutes of sunshine we saw today was only a tease. Tonight, rain and snow are likely before 11 o’clock and there is still a slight chance of snow between 11 and 1 AM. So make sure to remember those safety tips while on the road.

Martha kim