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Snow is in the forecast!
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Kitsap County road crews are ready for whatever the forecast brings, according to County Road Superintendent Jacques Dean. “Our crews focused on pre-treatment this week anticipating the possibility of snow,” Dean added. The County uses a salt-brine mixture to pretreat road surfaces when snow or ice is forecast. The brine helps prevent snow and ice from adhering to the surface and makes plowing efforts more efficient. That said, Dean cautions, road surfaces will still be slick and depending on the amount of snow could be covered with compact snow and ice. “Allow longer following distances, accelerate and decelerate slowly, and stay home if you don’t need to be on the roads,” Dean said.
The County begins preparing for winter weather in the early fall. Crews receive refresher training on plow operations and stockpiles of sand and salt are secured. The County produces their own salt brine and keeps an adequate supply to treat County-maintained roads. The County uses a prioritized road system to respond to winter storms. “Our goal is to clear all priority 1 roads within 36 hours after the snow stops,” said Dean.
Priority 1 roads are the arterials and main roads that move traffic to stores, medical facilities, and emergency response locations. The County’s plan also includes priority 2 roads. “Priority 2 roads are plowed within 36 hours after we finish priority 1 roads,” Dean added. You can see the complete snow and ice plan, a map that shows the roads by priority, and other important information at the County’s Inclement Weather and Emergency Information Page (www.kcowa.us/iw).
Residents are urged to sign up for electronic notifications by text or email on this page. Updates are sent frequently during inclement weather to keep you updated. Information about facility closures and delays, current road closures, and other helpful links are posted to that page. We also post updates on Facebook and from our Twitter feed. Those without internet access can call the County Inclement Weather phone line at 360.337.5575 for updates on County operations during the storm.
Check the County's Inclement Weather Page for the latest information during storms.
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