West Memphis officials concerned about safety on icy roads
WEST MEMPHIS, Tenn. — City officials in West Memphis, Arkansas, say driving could be an issue on Friday since untreated roads are expected to freeze overnight.
West Memphis Emergency Management says TDOT and ARDOT have been working hard to clear major thoroughfares, and traffic has been moving fine, but many city streets are still covered with snow.
“We have salt sand mixtures. We have spreader trucks, but we do not have any plows,” said DeWayne Rose, director of West Memphis Emergency Management.
Ice turns Mid-South roads into mess; drivers urged to stay home
City crews have been treating problem intersections to prevent accidents but are concerned some roadways will become hazardous overnight.
“I don’t think we’re going to come back above freezing until Monday around 10 a.m. so anything that we have here on the roads, a lot of this moisture, a lot of this water that we got from that rain, it’s just going to freeze is going to make it that much worse,” Rose said.
Rose said since the city doesn’t have a way to remove the snow, residents are going to have to wait for it to melt. In the meantime, he says drivers need to be cautious and stay home if they can.
“Be careful. You know how your vehicle is. You understand how your vehicle feels. If you feel your vehicle, start to slide, take your foot off the accelerator, and don’t jam on your brakes like a vehicle. Come to a slow stop. Just be mindful of your conditions,” he said.
West Memphis still has its inclement weather policy in effect.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
