Local road crews are preparing to take to the streets Monday morning, should the threat of snow hold true.
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the greater Vancouver area, beginning today and lasting through Thursday. A strong cold front will bring snow levels below 1,500 feet, with the greatest chance of snow in the lowlands expected Monday morning, according to the weather service.
“We could get a little bit of snow that could make the morning commute a little dicey,” said Paul Tolleson, meteorologist for the National Weather Service.
Both Vancouver and county public works officials are keeping a close eye on the forecast and making sure that everything runs smoothly should the weather result in slick road conditions.
De-icing equipment has been mounted on Vancouver Public Works trucks, and crews will be prepared to hit the streets for a preemptive strike at 4 a.m. Monday, the city agency said.
Should snow or freezing occur, Vancouver crews plan to prioritize treating core streets used by police, fire and medical emergency personnel, followed by hilly roads, bus routes and areas around schools.
Because de-icing solution washes away in rain, crews are prepared to continue to treat roads as long as conditions require.
Roads in the county will be covered, too, Clark County Public Works spokesman Jeff Mize said. The agency tested its de-icing equipment before Thanksgiving, he said, adding that it is fully stocked up on sand and gravel should the weather turn foul.
Mize said that the agency is waiting to see if the forecast holds before making a firm plan to dispatch crews to de-ice roads.
“We’re prepared for whatever response is needed if and when the weather arrives,” Mize said.
Officials are asking residents to prepare for the worst by being sure to have traction devices, shovels and emergency kits ready.
The threat of winter weather doesn’t end Monday. The area could see snow or snow flurries on Tuesday, though that would have relatively minimal impact, Tolleson said.
Following the cold front early in the week, another weather system is expected to hit the area Wednesday with dry, cold winds forecast and the chance of freezing rain lasting into Thursday morning.
Though it’s too early to predict the speeds the wind gusts might reach, Tolleson said, “it’s going to be pretty blustery.”
To report problems with streets, traffic signal outages, downed trees or standing water, call the city’s public works dispatch at 360-487-8177. For downed power lines, call 360-992-8000 or 360-992-3000.
Weather-related reschedulings for garbage and recycling pickup will be posted on the city’s website www.cityofvancouver.us/solidwaste.
Other winter tips can be found at www.cityofvancouver.us/severeweather.
